2018 Vol 8 Issue 2 Wrestling Science

International Journal of Wrestling Science
Volume 8, Number 2, 2018
INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF WRESTLING RESEARCHERS (INWR)

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The official journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)
David Curby, EdD
Editor in Chief
EDITORIAL BOARD
Mario Baić, PhD, Croatia Boris Podlivaev, PhD, Russia

Ioannis Barbas, PhD, Greece Ramazan Savranbaşi, PhD, Turkey
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Fikrat Kerimov, PhD, Uzbekistan Slavi Stanev, PhD, Bulgaria
David Lopez-Gonzalez, Mexico Harold Tünnemann, PhD, Germany
Bahman Mirzaei, PhD, Iran
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Reviewers
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Nikos Aggelousis PhD (Greece) Sergio Dos Santos PhD (Brazil) Maria Michalopoulou PhD (Greece)
Euaggelos Almpanidis PhD (Greece) Mindaugas Ežerskis PhD (Lithuania) Robert A. Oppliger PhD (USA)
Ramin Amirsasan PhD (Iran) Ioannis Fatouros PhD (Greece) Jonas Poderys PhD (Lithuania)
B.J. Anderson MD (USA) Emerson Franchini PhD (Brazil) Amir Rashidlamir PhD (Iran)
Mario Baic PhD (Croatia) Jeremy Frank MD (USA) William A Sands PhD (USA)
Tibor Barna PhD (Hungary) Bruno Hartmann PhD (Austria) Babak Shadgan PhD MD (Canada)
Sylvia Bakalova PhD (Bulgaria) Kazunori Iwai PhD (Japan) Victor Shiyan PhD (Russia)
Michel Calmet PhD (France) Tomas Kourtesis PhD (Greece) Jeremy Stephen Frank MD (USA)
Ibrahim Cicioglu PhD (Turkey) William J. Kraemer PhD (USA) Mehmet Türkmen PhD (TUR)
Eckart D. Diezemann MD (Germany) Takeshi Kukidome PhD (Japan) Alan C. Utter PhD (USA
(Cover photo credit: Image provided by Robbert Wijtman showing the 2018 World Championships final between
Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev, in a rematch of their 2017 World Championship final.)
The ofﬁcial journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)
Volume 8, Number 2, 2018
CONTENTS
1-8 Original Research

Quality of Judo World Championships in Relation to Justice Theories and Behavior-A
Case Study of the 2017 World Judo Championships in Budapest
Róbert G. Zimányi & Gábor Géczi
9-13 Relationship Between Training Experience and Pre-Competition Mood States in Cadet
Wrestlers
Hrvoje Karninčić, Mario Baić, Kristijan Slačanac, Ana Penjak, Igor Jelaska
14-17 Comparative Analysis of Matches of Russian Teams in Freestyle and Female Wrestling
Latishev S., Korobeynikov G., Latishev N.V., Curby D., Korobeynikova L.G., Tropin Y.
18-29 Analysis of the Most Important Parameters in Wrestling Matches from the Senior World
Championship 2017, the Senior European Championship 2018 and the World Championship
2018
Milorad Dokmanac & Kristijan Slačanec
30-35 The Acute Effects of Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow and Respiratory Restriction on
Blood Lactate and Growth Hormone in Collegiate Wrestlers
Abolfazl Rahmani & Bahman Mirzaei
36-39 Vitamin D Level Among Elite Wrestlers in Uzbekistan

Jamshid Umarov, Fikrat Kerimov, Abdurakhim Toychiev & Svetlana Osipova
40-42 The Phenomenon of the World Nomad Games

Kanat U. Mambetaliev
43-48 Dorsiflexor Muscle Oxygenation During Isometric Contraction

Adkham Paiziev
49-50 In Memorium
A Tribute to Daniel Robin
Ramazan Savranbaşı
51-52 A Tribute to Frank Andersson

Steven Fraser
QUALITY OF JUDO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN RELATION TO JUSTICE
THEORIES AND BEHAVIOR
– A CASE STUDY OF THE 2017 WORLD JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN
BUDAPEST
Róbert G. Zimányi & Gábor Géczi
University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
zimanyi.robert@evopro-sc.com
ABSTRACT
The judo world championships are major sport events, where, as in any other area of life, we strive for justice.
How can the competitor’s list of judo world championships be evaluated as just? When is the seeding right?
When can we talk about a fair draw? When is a competition system fair? How can the final result be just and
fair? Does everyone think that the final result is just? To answer the questions correctly, first of all we need to
clarify the telos of the specific sporting event. This study presents the justice theories and examines the
evolutionist conceptions from Aristotle's justice theory, through meritocracy and egalitarianism, to positive
discrimination. It analyses a sporting event, the World Judo Championships 2017, held in Budapest. In the study
we examine the competitor’s list, the seeding, the draw, the competition systems and the final results of this
judo world championship. Parallel to the analysis of justice theories, we use the method of personal observation
as well. The study is based on an interview with the Operational Director of the Hungarian Judo Federation. We
conclude that many theories of justice appear in relation to the judo world championships. However, only those
theories of justice can be accepted which are consistent with the telos, the ultimate object or aim, of the event.
As a summary the competitor’s list, the seeding, the draws, the competition system and the final result can be
fair, but their acceptance depends on which theory of justice is applied. The research confirms that there are
such theories of justice which do not meet the telos.
Keywords: judo, quality, telos, justice
BACKGROUND
Today's big sporting events, especially the world championships, get serious attention from various media
channels, even including live broadcasts. Judo world events, especially the judo world championships are high-
priority sport events. According to the information from the Hungarian Judo Federation, 126 nations were
represented with 731 athletes (including the 18-member Hungarian delegation) at the 2017 World Judo
Championships in Budapest. The event enjoyed public attention (Nemzeti Sport Online, 2017) so we can talk
about a social event as well. In the judo world championships any country of the world can be represented
through its qualification system.
The success of sport events depends on how much their quality is appreciated at a specific event. Based on a
virtue-based approach to quality, justice plays a key role (MacIntyre, 2007). The issue of justice is just as
important in the world judo championships, as in other areas of life. Have you the right to be a competitor at a
sport event? Is the seeding fair? Is the draw fair? What is a fair way to determine the competition system? Is
the final result always just? Perhaps the latter is the most important issue. The study seeks to provide
professional answers to these questions, utilizing justice theories. In addition, we analyzed (with the observation
method and case studies) the 2017 World Judo Championships in Budapest. Furthermore, the operational
director of the Hungarian Judo Federation, who was also a member of the organizing committee of the event,
supported us by giving us professional interviews.
Introduction: telos of the judo world championships

Sport events can be grouped and analysed in different ways. We can distinguish between competitive, leisure
and corporate sport clubs, sport activities and sport events (Zimányi & Vermes, 2016). Judo world
championships are definitely competitive sport events. If we want to know the telos of the judo world
championships, we have to define first the concept of the telos. We can discover the concept of telos in Aristotle,
who says that one must find the goal, the essential nature (Aristotle, 2011). Based on this idea: what can be the
goal and essence, the telos of the judo world championships? Since it is a world competition, it is also necessary
to comply with the telos of the competitive sport (which is easily accepted both by science and the general
public): to win a competition under "equal initial conditions", while respecting the normative values of sport,
values which will not be discussed in this study (Simon, Torres, & Hager, 2015). The aim is to defeat all the
opponents (in a given weight group) and this way to be the best judo competitor (in that given weight group) in
the world. This is a world championship title and if all previous conditions are met, the telos of the judo world
championships also prevails. However, is every victory and world championship title fair? Is the list of
International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 1

competitors fair? What about the seeding, the draws and the competition system? All in all, is a fair final result
born? The answer is yes, but only if it is met as a prerequisite to the event’s telos (in this case, the telos of the
judo world championships). However, to better understand the truth, it is necessary to examine the possible
theories of justice.
General theories of justice - with a focus on world judo

What does the word “justice” mean? The answer is if we share the "most important things" correctly in the way
we deserve (Sandel, 2009). However, the question arises: what do we deserve and why? It is important in terms
of interpretation to approach the question from the moral side. Here are some theories of justice which may play
a role at judo world championships. In the study, theories of justice are not analyzed in every detail because the
study focuses on justice only in case of the judo world championships. Therefore, after listing the examined
theories of justice, the aspects of the theories of justice relevant to the study will be specifically analyzed and
explained: competitors, seeding, draw, competition system and final results.
Evolutionary justice can be interpreted as the adaptation of the theory of evolution to justice: adaptation to the
external and internal conditions (Darwin, 2015) is of primary importance. At a judo world championship, we have
to define our tactics and behaviour against a certain opponent so that we obtain an influencing role during the
match (Chelladurai & Saleh, 1980). The goal, as always, is to win against our current and upcoming opponent.
For Aristotle, justice is the supreme virtue. Aristotelian justice builds on excellence. According to Aristotle, justice
can be interpreted as a cardinal virtue: give people what they deserve and it can be determined on the basis of
excellence – while others are still in the best position (Aristotle, 2011). According to egalitarianism, we should
strive for equality: "everyone is equal". As a contrast, meritocracy promotes a system and justice based on
merit. Positive discrimination can also be a justice aspect, on the basis of which we positively discriminate
somebody in a certain way: e.g. the promotion of diversity (Sandel, 2009). So, it could be adapted to sport area;
the organizers, or the International Judo Federation for example give wild cards (WC) to "smaller judo nations".
Or the applying of "domestic rights" of the organizing country: additional home competitors are allowed to enter
the (home) tournament. Did the organizers of the 2017 World Judo Championships apply positive
discrimination? We are also discussing this issue in our analysis. It is not closely related to the research but it
is important to mention in relation to the discrimination that sport must reject all kinds of negative discrimination.
In fact, sports have to act against it; the telos of sport also requires it. It is not possible to have any negative
aspects of discrimination of the competitor list, seeding, draw and competition system on the final result.
Of course, there are other theories of justice which are not examined in the present study, because we do not
consider it relevant to the research topic, the competitors’ list, the seeding, the draw, the competition system
and the final result. For example, the Kantian justice: Kant's views on morality, rationality and freedom. Or here
is the theory of Rawls' on issue of fairness and handicap (Rawls, 1971; Sandel, 2009). The last one’s modified
version will be mentioned later. The latter may appear if there is a protected ranking (PR) that makes someone
possible to compete, or if a competitor enters another weight group in order to suffer a "handicap" or to avoid
his opponent. But these thoughts do not correspond to the competitive sports and to the telos of judo world
championships. However, "modified fairness" exists; this is mentioned at a later stage of the study in relation to
the justice of the competitors list.
There are more theories of justice, which may be relevant to certain aspects of the judo world championships –
such as utilitarianism and libertarianism (Zimányi & Géczi, 2018), but in regard to the length of the study these
issues are not discussed in the present essay. We only mention them for further consideration of the topic.
According to utilitarianism, the beneficial principle is the point. Bentham was concerned with maximizing
happiness. According to him pleasure must be greater than the pain (Bentham, 1996). Mill also defended
utilitarianism against its critics; the focus of his ethics was on the comparison and reconciliation of individual
freedoms and utilitarianism (Mill, 1979). People can do whatever they want, until they do not harm others and
the state cannot restrict freedom (Mill, 1989). Mill’s philosophy is that a higher degree of enjoyment (higher
pleasures) is a key factor. He believes that differences between lower and higher level of pleasures should be
distinguished. Higher pleasures can result in stronger, longer-lasting pleasures which lead to happiness.
Representatives of libertarianism proclaim the "liberty" and unrestricted market, and the rejection of state
intervention. In the name of human freedom, we can do anything freely since freedom is our basic right
(Friedman, 1962). If we want to talk about a quality sport event, only those theories of justice can be applied,
which correspond to the telos of the event. That is, there are some exclusionary theories, which have a legitimate
interest in other areas, such as egalitarianism, which may be acceptable for a draw or for the competition system
(the daily order of the game). In case of competitive sport, this egalitarian theory of justice cannot appear
because competitive sport does not correspond to the previously defined telos.
Goal of the study: Justify the applicability of theories of justice. Applied research methodology
Which of these defined and briefly outlined theories of justice should we follow and why? The application of
which theories is justified in relation to the judo world championships. The question is: which theory or theories
p. 2 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

should we follow? We have to follow such a theory of justice, which also corresponds to the telos of the event,
this is an exclusion criterion. So, the theories listed above have to be structured and examined according to the
purpose of the study. To be able to get a complete and realistic “picture”, in addition to the examined theories
of justice, semi-structured, deep interviews were conducted with the operational director of the Hungarian Judo
Federation (who was also a member of the Organizing Committee of the 2017 World Judo Championships).
The research included on-sight observation and case studies. In the following we describe the results of our
research: the competitor’s list, the seedling, the draw, the competition system and the final result. How did the
interviewed member of the organizing committee evaluate and feel the justice of the event? Of course, every
judo event and world championship are different. But as the world championships from year to year are held
under the auspices of the International Judo Federation, the received results are not only true and valid for the
2017 World Judo Championships, but in general (with minor modifications and deviations) for the tendencies of
current world championships as well. We are of course aware of the fact that changes can occur any time, so
our research analyzed the current situation.
Justice of competitor’s list

Accepting the principle that all decisions can be fair, the list of competitors can also be fair. But on what basis?
All justice theories can be applied in relation to the competitor’s list of the judo world championships. Let's start
at the beginning. How does qualification happen? Who can be a competitor in a world championship? This
differs from country to country. During the interview we learned that nomination in Hungary is based on the
accepted "Selection Principles,” which the Competition Committee discusses, proposes, and then the
Presidency adopts the policy for who can compete and in which weight group. As a theory of justice, we can
mention the evolutionary approach: adaptation to the competition regulation must be the first. That is, the
Hungarian competitors must first meet the "Selection Principles" of Hungary, then that of the Competition
Committee, finally (but as the most important element of the decision) that of the Presidency. There may be an
influencing role if someone draws attention to performance, which stands out from the rest of the competitors.
This also means that the system is meritocratic as well: the nominations are based on the achieved results. In
this study we assume that the competent units decide according to their best knowledge, keeping values of
sport and fair-play always in mind. The achieved results can be assessed in several ways: having a 3rd place at
the European Championship is not the same as being at the 3rd place at the World Championship. It is not even
certain that the results can be compared. That is, the decision is not just meritocratic, there is a kind of
Committee and Presidential Discretion (with individual discretion), which is largely the same, but may override
the meritocratic justice principles, as there is a world ranking prepared by the International Judo Federation.
This world ranking is based on the “recent” results (the system is meritocratic), which is also accepted by the
national judo federations. However, it cannot be based on achieved and deserved world rankings. As it is
revealed in the interview, nomination of the competitor for the judo world championship is the competence of
the national federation. They decide who can compete in the weight groups. The Competition Committee of the
Hungarian Judo Federation discusses it, then proposes, but the Presidency has the right of the final decision
(most of the time the Presidency approves and accepts the Competition Committee’s recommendation).
A meritocratic system is similar to the Aristotelian theory of justice, which is based on excellence. According to
Aristotle, it should be distinguished on the basis of excellence (Aristotle, 2011). Competitors, who achieve a
relatively better ("more excellent") result, have to be nominated in the weight groups, following this theory of
justice. There are many ways to understand the competitor list meritocracy and the Aristotelian excellence-
based discrimination. The essence of both nominations is based on merit. The performance before the world
championships is important, but the performance in tournaments is more relevant, which are honoured by world
ranking points. It can easily happen that world ranking is not in line with the current form and performance. The
difference and the possible reasons for this are not investigated in the present study.
Positive discrimination justice theory may also arise for the competitors. During the interview we learned, that
the wild card (WC), the positive discrimination by the International Judo Federation is not allowed. It means that
it is not an option to promote diversity for the "smaller” nations’ competitors. In our view, the latter could be
important because it could be part of the learning and catching up process if a competitor of a region, which is
from professional judo-perspective is less relevant, could participate in the world championships. Thus, not only
the competitor, not only her/his country, but also the region could develop, and could be more connected to the
global circulation of the judo sport. However, another aspect of positive discrimination may appear: prioritization
of home competitors. During the interview, we learned that there is no minimum, but there is a maximum number
of “home competitors”: no more than 9 people from a country (by gender/sex) can compete; up to 2 competitors
in one weight group (by gender/sex). Thus, this system is not entirely meritocratic: as a maximum of 9 people
can compete from a “judo-power nation”, just like from a less judo-relevant country. From this point of view, we
can find an egalitarian element on the competitors list. But in this case, we can only talk about an initial equality,
although this thesis is controversial as well: the possibility of access to "judo-resources" is not equal among the
countries (we mean resources, which are needed by somebody to start at a judo world championship). There
is no handicap in entries, as we previously described. But fairness may appear in some form as we learned

from the interviews. Protected ranking (PR) does not exist and it does not apply this kind of fairness and
handicap. Additionally, the handicap per weight category cannot be accepted on the basis of the telos. For
example, a competitor cannot start in a lower weight group just because he/she competed in the past in a lower
weight group – or came back from an injury and would not correspond to its own weight group, etc... However,
it may happen in our country (at the Hungarian Judo Federation) that if someone has 1st to 5th place in a weight
group within two years in an adult world competition (Olympic Games, World championships, European
championships), and at the same time other competitors have "no outstanding performance", this person can
enjoy "protection". With presidential approval, he/she can compete at the world event and he/she is nominated
by his/her country's judo federation (as in Hungary). In such cases, fairness may appear.
The national judo federations select the best competitor or competitors (in their opinion) by gender/sex and
weight, corresponding to the telos of the judo world championships. The decision is based on meritocracy,
evolutionist perception and on the Aristotelian excellence-based justice. The totally egalitarian system is not
typical of competitive sport. It does not correspond to the telos of competitive sport, so it cannot be applied.
Based on this theory, we cannot talk about justice in a competitive sport. It can be only partly equal, but
egalitarian system (egalitarianism) is not present in many competitive sport departments, especially, where
there is qualification and not a committee or presidency decides on the participation of competitors. For
example, in the ATP Men's Tennis World, the entry of a tennis tournament is based on ranking (Association of
Tennis Professionals, 2017). It is not maximized, how many people can represent a country (as an extra,
organizers can give wild cards, enforcing the theory of the positive discrimination as well). So, this system (ATP)
can be rightly called “more merit” based on merits achieved, i.e. "more meritocratic" (the limit is only the size of
the main draw, and how many competitors would like to compete). There is another question: how real is a
world ranking order? Is ranking based on real power? Is it absolutely fair? The question is: which theory of
justice is applied? The research finds that the International Judo Federation’s world ranking is based on the
meritocratic and on the Aristotelian excellence-based theories of justice. As a summary: the judo world ranking
list is based on the achieved results and it aims to show who performs better during the matches. Of course,
world ranking may also change, which also corresponds to meritocracy and excellence-based discrimination,
because the achieved and actual (recent year) results are counted.
At the 2017 World Judo Championships the hosting country, Hungary, was represented by the maximum 9
competitors in the possible 10 weight groups. In the female 63 kg and the male 66 kg weight groups Hungary
was not represented. Why were these weight groups selected? Here you can explore the utilitarian theory of
justice: the utilitarianism. According to this theory, the Competition Committee saw only the slightest chance of
winning (or receiving medals, or points) in these two groups. Accordingly, domestic competitors were more likely
to be involved in that weight group, where there was a greater expectation for better and more outstanding
performance. According to the Hungarian Judo Federation leaders, there were more chances of achieving a
better final place (and ranking position) on the basis of utilitarianism (Zimányi & Géczi, 2018). Ultimately, no
domestic competitors won a medal at the 2017 World Judo Championships. During the interview we learned
from the member of the organizing committee, that a sudden decision was made about the competitors’ list
(although the basis of the justice was not detailed). The interviewee stated as follows: “With regard to the
Hungarian team, I think the selection procedure was fair.” (C. Simon, personal communication, October 6, 2017
and March 1, 2018).
Justice of seeding and the draw

When can a seeding and a draw be just? Aristotle’s theory of justice and the meritocracy are handled together
in this case. For the seeding at the world championships the Aristotelian excellence-based justice and the merit-
based meritocracy are applied equally: the one, who is “more excellent”, will be seeded based on their previously
achieved results. During the interview we learned: the first 8 places in world ranking per weight groups will be
seeded – the others are randomly assigned to one of the 4 branches. What about the evolutionary conception?
This principle, as always, exists and is required to be met (also due to external factors). It is compulsory to
adapt, only if it is fair according to this theory. What about the other players, who are ranked after the 8th place
in the world ranking? This is the largest group by weight and they are randomly drawn to the straight knockout
(main draw) table. In the elimination system, everyone will have an opponent, with an exception: if the number
of competitors does not match the capacity of the main draw. In this case, there will be competitors (not just
seeded) who will automatically proceed to the next round. If the non-seeded competitors are randomly drawn,
then everyone has an equal chance – then the system is egalitarian. It can be called a controlled (lupus) alee-
type game as well (Caillois, 1961). So, a random draw, “Fortuna” will decide how strong (struggle) matches will
be; who will fight with whom – except for the 8 seeded competitors. Nobody knows in advance, but it is probable,
that there will not be the same strength fights even though we are talking about the same round. (They cannot
be the same strength struggles, because of the nature of the human and sport.) But this is not the goal of the
draw, the essence: the non-seeded competitors will receive the same chance – either they are staying in the
9th or in the 80th place in the world ranking (per weight groups). In terms of the draw, they are the same, they
are not distinguished.

As a summary there are no advantages for the "better", if they are not in the world ranking Top 8 – despite, they
struggled to have a better world ranking position. So, the world number 9 and the world number 10 can fight
against each other in the first round. In the same phase, first round number 64 and 70 of the world ranking, if
they are qualified, fight against each other. There are not equally “strong duels” on the basis of world ranking.
It only depends on the random draw. Previous world champions can also meet in the first round – if they are not
currently seeded based on their current world ranking. Egalitarianism is the draw-system of non-seeded
competitors, as everybody (who has qualified) starts with equal chances. From the other point of view, the
system is also egalitarian, as every non-seeded competitor has a chance to be in the next round – without
opponent. If the knock-out main draw is not complete, not everyone has an opponent in the first round; some
lucky competitors find themselves in the second round. This qualification for the next round is true, even if
someone's opponent withdraws. Out of the theories of justice we cannot find fairness, handicap and positive
discrimination in relation to the judo world championships’ seeding and draw. Every person is different; you
cannot fight, compete and make a good performance twice in the same way. Performance depends on the daily
form and concentration – as well as on the own and on the opponent's momentary performance. How much
can you put in from yourself? The sport is characterized by “results-turning” and uncertain final result – which
can cause surprises (not the favourite wins). If we accept this principle, then match-pairs of the same strength
will never take place.
During the interview it was also revealed that the seeding was fair. As a member of the Organizing Committee
said: “Seeding happened according to the world ranking, based on the achieved results and scores”. In this
case, the meritocratic and the Aristotelian excellence-based distinctive principle can be considered, - in addition
to the evolutionary adaptation. He also told: "A well-thought-out draw system works in judo"]. This suggests that
it is also acceptable for the interviewed person to use the egalitarianism theory of justice by the draw (C. Simon,
personal communication, October 6, 2017 and March 1, 2018).
Justice of the competition system

Justice of the competition system is a relevant question as well, beside the competitors’ list, the seeding and
the draw. We understand the pre-announced conditions of competition, the rules, the schedules of the
consecutive matches – and even the point: can a just qualification to the next round be born in accordance with
the previously described conditions and with the competition regulation? Of course, the telos has to be met here
as well. That is, all the basic conditions must be ensured: the telos of the sports and the telos of the judo world
championships. Without this exclusion criterion, we cannot talk about a just and fair competition system. Telos
also prevails at the competitors’ list, at the seeding and at the draw. The case study analyzed the 2017 World
Judo Championships matches on 1st September (two women events: 70 kg, 78 kg, and a male event: 90 kg).
In accordance with the evolutionary justice, adaptation to the conditions of the competition system is also a
priority. The one, who can best adapt to weight groups (this is an internal factor, as opposed to a random draw),
prevails and can beat the next opponent. First of all, it is necessary to adapt to the external factors and to the
current opponent as well. What about the Aristotelian theory of justice? Is there a role for excellence? Yes,
because seeded competitors cannot fight against other seeded competitors, until the quarter-finals (there are 8
seeded competitors per weight groups). The same is true for meritocracy.
During the competition system, the one who makes a better and “more excellent” performance in a current
match qualifies for the next round. Of course, it is conceivable, that against someone else the same performance
would not be enough. Here we refer back to the evolutionary approach, to adaptation. Accordingly, we always
have to adapt to the current opponent. When less performance is enough to win, there is no need to do more
for success. A tournament can be long, one can save energy (who can), who wants to participate in the fights
for the final title or for the medals. Based on the research (which also included the on-site observation
methodology) we can conclude that the competition system also follows the egalitarian theory of justice, that
everyone is equal. We are thinking about the following point: schedule. The matches of the main draw were
fought from top to bottom (irrespective of seeding). In addition, the course schedule was also prepared after the
draw, according to the pre-defined and communicated conditions. What are the pre-defined and declared
conditions and rules, which apply equally to all competitors? The research revealed: based on the competition
regulation, according to the theory of equality, the following conditions were applied to everyone: duration of the
match, access to the competitors’ list, the draw, so everything can be planned: who with whom to fight in which
round, etc…
The theory of meritocracy could be discovered in the schedule. On the basis of the achieved results, nobody
received any advantage and (positive) distinction from the seeded ones. The seeded competitors also came to
the judo tatami, as it was officially and publicly announced. According to the main draw, the matches were
fought from top to bottom. This is another question, that the advance may be meritocratic: the one who has
more points in the match against the opponent or has done more successful actions, deserves to be in the next

round. This issue was analyzed to determine the final result. No positive discrimination was represented in
connection with the 2017 World Judo Championships. It wasn’t easier for some to advance to the next round,
than for others (and no one had more planned rest-time, which could be an advantage). The promotion of the
diversity and the (positive) distinction of the domestic competitors were not applied by the organizers during the
competition system. For some competitor qualifying for the next round was easier, but this was only due to the
seeded status and to the random draw. The former used meritocratic and excellence-based principles and the
latter, the equality principle.
In the examined topic and issue utilitarianism also appears as a theory of justice. Another possible aspect is the
economic benefits of the organizers. This includes the rights of broadcasting, because the spectators like to
watch the “judo-stars” during their matches. During their mediated match, according to the principle of supply
and demand, more advertisements can be sold at a higher price. There is a mix of competitive sports and show-
business. The goal is to get closer to the finals (per weight groups). The matches should be more exciting with
turns and uncertain final results. This may be the interests of the competition as these are the elements that
increase the number of viewers, and the economic benefits as well. This principle is supported by utilitarianism.
However, this is only a secondary involvement in sports; the real value should not be forgotten: the telos and
the value system of the competitive sport and of the judo world championships. During an interview, the member
of the Competition Committee emphasized the importance of equality, in relation to the competition system. As
he said: “The competition system is well-proven, it has been formed for many years and it pay particular attention
to every competitor to get the (same) time to regenerate between the bouts” (C. Simon, personal
communication, October 6, 2017 and March 1, 2018)
Justice of the final result

The final result depends on the competitors, the team (coach, assistants, etc.) and on the external conditions
as well. Competitors aim to reach the best possible results, winning as many matches as possible in the straight
knockout system, but not everyone can succeed. Namely, in combat sports there is only one winner (per weight
groups); therefore, it should be given the value to which the justice of the final result is a prerequisite. Of course,
the telos must also be met; all basic conditions must be ensured to meet the telos of the sport and of the judo
world championships. This is an exclusionary criterion, without that we cannot talk about a fair and just final
result. The telos was the same in case of the competitor’s list, the seeding, the draw and the competition system.
Thus, the four cases corresponded to the goal and to the essence of the sport and of the judo world
championships (including its mission and vision).
There are common signs of justice theories. According to the on-site observation and the official documents of
the International Judo Federation, the 1st place can only be reached if someone is unbeaten. Here we can find
the justice of the evolutionist approach. The judoka has to adapt him/herself to the (internal and external)
circumstances, in order to reach the 1st place, every opponent must be defeated. The competitor, who can best
adapt to the external and internal circumstances, deserves the victory. This theory is meritocratic as well,
because the achieved results are the basis for winning; triumph over everyone. Only the performance on the
tatami counts, in ludus, agon-type games (Caillois, 1961). Aristotle's theory of justice also appears here, in
relation to the excellence-based distinction; a just decision should be made. Therefore, that competitor will be
the champion, who is the “most excellent” in certain circumstances (in his/her own weight category). This
competitor deserves the victory. A competitor cannot make any mistake if s/he wants to be a world champion
(in our case: judo world champion). If that fails, the next possible goal is to gain a medal. In this case one defeat
is not a problem yet. In case of combat (and other) sports there are consolation draws as well. Thus, with one
defeat, a competitor is not knocked-out, it depends in which round of the main draw and against whom did
he/she lose. In such cases, our destiny is no longer in our own hands. Reaching the 2nd and 3rd places is only
possible with one single defeat. It is typical of combat sports to have two 3rd, 5th and 7th places – in contrast
e.g.to the international tennis tournaments, where competitors are knocked-out with one defeat and cannot
continue fighting. In the latter case, only the winner will go to the next round in the straight-line elimination
system, without consolation draw, except the international tennis tournaments of nations (Davis Cup, Fed Cup,
Hopman Cup), and round-robin competitions (ATP Finals, WTA Finals).
The theory of egalitarianism does not correspond to the telos of the competitive sport’s final result, which also
applies to the judo world championships. Although the idea can be welcomed that everyone starts on equal
terms, but this is not always possible, as we discussed previously in this study. Not everyone has the same
access to the “judo-resources”. Namely, on the basis of the principle of equality, it is not possible to determine
the final result of a competitive sport. We have to distinguish the winner, based on something positive. Not
everyone will be equal during the emergence of the final result. They can only be equal, if the competitors
achieve the same results. It depends on their current performance. In combat sports there can be only one
winner (in some other sports equality/tie/dead heat can be declared). Positive discrimination does not exist,
because in performance-based competitive sport the achieved results and optimal adaptation can only lead to
the just final result. There is no way for anyone to reach better results, to promote diversity. We cannot give any

advantage for the home competitors. The results must be achieved on the tatami, not at the "green table". The
handicap does not match the telos of the competitive sport. It is not possible to accept an equitable result in
competitive sport, if one of the opponents is deliberately (without any reason) is in a disadvantageous situation.
For example, could the final result be fair if an opponent (due to injury) were just defending himself through a
match without any action? Or would it be enough for somebody to do a minor (smaller value) action for a victory?
Or do the opponents have to take extra weight on during the fights? Of course, this does not correspond to the
telos of competitive sport, thus besides egalitarianism and positive discrimination, the handicap also cannot be
interpreted. It cannot play a role in the final result of a competitive sport event, also not at the final result of the
judo world championships. These theories did not appear in the final result at the event of the 2017 World Judo
Championships.
During the interview, we asked the member of the organizing committee, what does he think: has a just and fair
final result been created? The interviewee talked about the minimization of the refereeing errors: "The goal is
that the refereeing errors do not affect the result...” (C. Simon, personal communication, October 6, 2017 and
March 1, 2018). For the result this is really important. As we learned, the arsenal of possible actions has
narrowed down. Coaching and refereeing discussions were introduced (to avoid disputes and problematic
decisions). A video-referee was also introduced as a control, which replaced the two referee-assistants. In
doubtful cases, the referee has to ask the video-referee and they have to look back the disputed decision. It is
a key issue in terms of justice: realistic decisions can be born and at the same time can minimize the refereeing
errors. The interviewee therefore highlighted this element in connection with the just final results, because the
principle of the meritocratic and the excellence-based discrimination is just and fair (in agreement with the
national and international judo federations). The goal is to evaluate the real and executed actions, the current
performance and the achieved "excellent" results which allow one to rise above the opponent.
Conclusions: justice exists

We can conclude that the 2017 World Judo Championships was a quality sport event. The issue of the justice
was examined from quality aspect (as Aristotelian supreme virtue). There have been numerous questions of
justice in relation to the competitor list, the seeding, the draw and the final result of the judo world
championships. The question was: which theory of justice can be accepted, and why do we follow that theory
when examining a topic? The study states: we have found justice in relation to the competitor list, the seeding,
the draw and the final result as well, it just depends on the applied theory of justice. During the study we pointed
out in which case which area was examined, and which are the most appropriate theories of justice. How do
these appear, and what are the ones that should be excluded due to “non-compliance” with the defined telos.
Not every theory of justice can be observed in each aspect. Because of the final result, it cannot be a competitive
sport-specific truth or justice, if the applied theory of justice system is egalitarian or positively discriminative.
Fairness also does not appear everywhere, because in case of competitors (as we learnt from the interview),
the Competition Committee of the Hungarian Judo Federation can nominate competitors, even on the basis of
previous results (not based only on meritocratic principles). This decision may be approved by the Presidency;
however, fairness cannot be applied when determining the final result of the tournament, thus undermining the
telos of the competitive sport (and the telos of the judo world championships). There may also be differences in
the examined factors. For example, seeding per weight groups (before the draw) cannot be egalitarian – rather
meritocratic or Aristotelian excellence-based justice, because of the seeding of the top 8 world ranking.
However, the non-seeded competitors’ draw can be random (we refer to full equality between the non-seeded
ones). In the latter case the luck can be changed; “in front of Fortuna everybody is equal”.
Summarizing our research, if we want to talk about quality, the telos must be met in all cases (in this current
study we talk about the telos of the competitive sport and the telos of the judo world championships). Based on
the literature we proved, that the basic principle of evolution: adaptation to the situations (and to the competition
regulation as well), must be fulfilled under all circumstances. When determining the seeding and the final result
the meritocratic and the Aristotelian excellence-based theory of justice can be acceptable. The winner is the
one, who achieves better results, who is “more excellent”. It is important that during the fights only the
performance and the achieved results must be considered. So, the final result of the competitive sport can be
best explained by these theories of justice – since the above mentioned also correspond to the telos of
competitive sport (Zimányi & Vermes, 2016). Simultaneously, the system and the process of judo world
championships are not entirely meritocratic and Aristotelian excellence-based: neither the competitors’ list, nor
the draw and the competition system. In many cases egalitarianism can be observed (in case of the draw and
the competition system), as principle of positive discrimination and fairness. There are also some excluding
theories of justice, which do not correspond to the case of the examined study and they cannot be inserted,
such as the issue of the handicap. The used and described theories in the study, during the interview and the
practice also confirmed which theories and practice complies fully with the telos of the competitive sport.

Future research areas
These justice-related questions (competitor’s list, seeding, draw and competition system) could be used in other
sports as well. For example, what is different and what is similar to a wrestling world championships? The
question has special relevance, because Budapest, Hungary will host the Wrestling World Championships in
2018. It can be the primary goal of the international and national wrestling organization as well to fulfil the telos
of the event: to organize just and fair world championships (in relation to the participating competitors, the
seeding, the draw, the competition system but most importantly to the final result).
The justice of other areas can also be examined, for example how did the competitors and their coaches
evaluate the justice of world championships? How did the competitors and their coaches behave in case of
unjust decisions? Did they just suppose that there were unjust decisions? How was accommodation of the
competitors selected? Which media has the right to broadcast world championships? Who get seats in the VIP
Boxes? Which theory of justice should be applied and followed to answer the listed questions?
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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRAINING EXPERIENCE AND PRE-
COMPETITION MOOD STATES IN CADET WRESTLERS
Hrvoje Karninčić1, Mario Baić2, Kristijan Slačanac2, Ana Penjak1, Igor Jelaska1
1Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia

2Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
hrvojek@kifst.hr
ABSTRACT
It is a general assumption that training experience and mood states correlate, so that more experienced
competitors are better in keeping pre-competition negative moods under control. This article addresses the
issue of whether the same is assumption is valid for adolescent wrestlers. The aim of the study was to establish
the correlation between training experience and pre-competition mood states in adolescent wrestlers. The
sample consisted of 75 adolescent wrestlers (age 16.04±0.83) divided in two groups depending on their training
experience: the less experienced wrestlers (n=33) had 2.88±1.04 years of experience and the more experienced
wrestlers (n=42) had 6.86±1.60 years of wrestling training experience. All the participants completed the
psychological questionnaire for mood assessment (Brunel Mood Scale – BRUMS) half an hour before the
national championship. The Vigor variable (F(1.75)= 8.78; p=0.004) was the only variable in which the two
groups differed. The less experienced wrestlers self-reported to have more energy, but they also connected
their mood states with competition placement and body mass reduction, which clearly indicated a different
structure of emotions control between these groups. The body mass reduction among the less experienced
wrestlers was strongly connected to negative emotions, primarily anger (r=0.60) and depression (r=0.47).
Competition placement was negatively connected to anger (r=-0.41) and positively to vigour (r=0.34). No
significant correlations between the variables were established among the more experienced wrestlers. We may
conclude that, although only one significant association was found (energy) in mood states, the more
experienced U17 wrestlers can better control their negative pre-competition mood states than those less
experienced wrestlers whose negative mood states are connected to body mass reduction and performance.
Key words: Greco-Roman wrestling, psychology, Brunel Mood Scale
INTRODUCTION
Previous work indicates that sport-specific training experience is an important performance factor in wrestling.
Higher-standard wrestlers significantly differ from those lower-ranked wrestlers in years of training experience
(Karnincic, Tocilj, Uljevic, & Erceg, 2009; Lopez-Gullon et al., 2011; Pallares, Lopez-Gullon, Torres-Bonete, &
Izquierdo, 2012). Long-term wrestling training causes several adaptation changes, one of them being the
adaptation to high acid base disorders caused by wrestling bouts, and also as a sort of training phenomenon
(Barbas et al., 2011; Kraemer et al., 2001). The issue arises whether these adaptation changes, caused by the
competition experience, exist also at the psychological level.
It is well-known that a high-level competitive sport has potential to provoke a high level of stress and anxiety in
athletes (Ford, Ildefonso, Jones, & Arvinen-Barrow, 2017). This is especially valid for combat sports, in
particular, which are characterised, apart from their high intensity and loads, by very rough bodily contacts
(throwing, punches, bars, chokings, etc.). Body mass reduction imposes an additional physical load and
psychological pressure (Irfan, 2015; Karnincic, Baic, & Slacanac, 2016; Koral & Dosseville, 2009; Marttinen,
Judelson, Wiersma, & Coburn, 2011) as does high expectations from the athletes’ environment. Additionally,
adolescence is a very sensitive age due to the phase of intensive growth and development the young are
experiencing. It is well-established that a huge diversity in psycho-physiological development levels exist among
adolescents, caused mostly by the differences that might occur between the chronological and the biological
age (Malina, Bouchard, & Bar-Or, 2004). How are young wrestlers coping with the psychological loads of
competitions; is their performance impeded by the reflections of psychological loads; and does their training
experience contribute to the facilitated mood control? These are the main questions addressed in this research.
METHODS
The sample of participants consisted of 75 cadet male wrestlers (age 16.04±0.83) divided into two groups
according to their wrestling training experience: the less experienced wrestlers (n=33) had 2.88±1.04 years of
experience and the more experienced wrestlers (n=42) had 6.86±1.60 years of experience. The participants’
parents and/or guardians signed the consent form for the participation in this research activity, which was
voluntary.
The sample of variables consisted of mood variables (Brunel’s Mood Scale – BRUMS) and two sport-specific
variables (the amount of the reduced body mass in kg and final placement at the end of the national
championship). Brunel’s Mood Scale consists of 24 items assessing eight subscales: tension (panicky, anxious,

worried, nervous), depression (depressed, downhearted, unhappy, miserable), anger (annoyed, bitter, angry,
bad-tempered), vigour (lively, energetic, active, alert), fatigue (worn out, exhausted, sleepy, tired), confusion
(confused, muddled, mixed-up, uncertain), calmness (calm, composed, relaxed, restful) and happiness
(cheerful, content, happy, satisfied). To the question: “How do you feel now?”, the participant selects, on a
numerical Likert-type scale (0 = not at all, 1 = a bit, 2 = moderate, 3 = enough; 4 = extremely), the option he
believed best represented his current mood states.
All the data were processed by the Statistica 13.3 software package (Statistica, Inc.) and the descriptive
statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum value) were computed. The BRUMS’s reliability
on our sample of participants was tested by computing reliability parameters (Cronbach’s alpha) and average
inter-item correlation, whereas factor analysis (with varimax Raw rotation) was used to test factorial validity of
the questionnaire. Differences between the two experience groups were tested using the one-way ANOVA test.
Partial eta-squared (partial η2) was used as an effect size assessment. Pearson correlation coefficient was used
to establish correlations between mood states, body mass reduction and championship ranking. Type I error
was set at α=5%.
RESULTS
Table 1. Reliability parameters (Cronbach’s alpha – α, average inter-item correlation – IIC) for the variables on
BRUMS as well as BRUMS factor validity of the sample
Less experienced (n=33) More experienced (n=42)
α IIC α IIC Factor 1 Factor 2
Anger 0.81 0.56 0.84 0.58 0.80 -0.19
Tension 0.83 0.57 0.87 0.63 0.84 -0.19
Depression 0.75 0.70 0.75 0.63 0.91 -0.06
Vigor 0.62 0.30 0.86 0.61 -0.03 -0.86
Fatigue 0.73 0.42 0.82 0.57 0.63 -0.09
Confusion 0.88 0.65 0.66 0.33 0.83 -0.17
Happiness 0.66 0.34 0.92 0.75 -0.33 -0.78
Calmness 0.48 0.21 0.67 0.34 -0.44 -0.67
Average 0.72 0.47 0.80 0.55 Explained variance = 5.49
As one can see from Table 1, the validity criterion was fulfilled for all the variables in the more experienced
group of wrestlers, whereas among those less experienced only the calmness variable did not meet the validity
criterion. Two factors that explained 50% of the variance were extracted in the factor analysis. The first factor
was the factor of negative mood states (depression, tension, confusion, anger). The second factor was the
factor of positive mood states (vigor, happiness). The variables fatigue and calmness, which were not significant
for any factor, were omitted from further data analysis.
Table 2. Descriptive statistics parameters and for the differences between the two groups of wrestlers.
Less experienced (n=33) More experienced (n=42)
Variables Mean±SD MIN/MAX Mean±SD MIN/MAX
Age (years) 15.76±0.82* 15.00/17.00 16.26±0.79* 15.00/17.00
Body mass (kg) 67.51±14.9 41.70/101.10 63.60±13.76 40.70/102.00
Body height (cm) 173.76±9.22 148.00/188.00 173.60±6.83 155.00/190.00
BMI (kg/m2) 21.61±3.26 16.85/29.45 20.56±3.29 14.77/31.12
Experience (years) 2.88±1.04* 1.00/4.00 6.86±1.60* 5.00/11.00
Placement (rank) 6.82±3.78* 1.00/14.00 4.93±3.73* 1.00/17.00
BM reduction (kg) 1.80±1.80 0.00/6.00 2.16±1.89 0.00/7.00
Anger 2.53±3.44 0.00/12.00 3.23±3.54 0.00/15.00
Tension 2.18±2.58 0.00/10.00 2.98±2.81 0.00/9.00
Depression 1.12±2.66 0.00/9.00 2.02±2.89 0.00/14.00
Vigor 10.44±2.78* 0.00/16.00 8.05±4.01* 0.00/14.00
Confusion 2.41±2.57 0.00/8.00 2.98±3.18 0.00/13.00
Happiness 5.21±1.51 0.00/8.00 4.74±2.00 0.00/8.00
*significant at 0.05

Table 2 reveals the differences between the two groups of wrestlers in their age (F(1.75)=7.11; p=.009), training
experience (F(1.75)=157.38; p=.009), and competition placement (F(1,75)=4.84; p=.03), the more experienced
group being significantly better ranked at the end of the championship; only one significant between-group
difference (vigor) was established in the analysis of variables assessing mood states (F(1.75)=8.78; p=0.004).
Table 3. Correlation between the sports-specific variables (experience, competition placement and the amount
of the reduced body mass) with mood states as assessed by BRUMS
Less experienced
Anger Tension Depression Vigor Confusion Happiness
group (n=33)
Competition placement -0.41 -0.13 -0.23 0.34 0.17 0.17
BM reduction 0.60 0.33 0.47 -0.01 0.13 0.10
More experienced group (n=42)
Competition placement 0.02 -0.06 -0.08 -0.09 -0.05 0.10
BM reduction 0.14 0.08 0.29 0.04 0.28 0.16
Table 3 makes it clear that only among the less experienced wrestlers the final competition placement correlated
negatively with anger (r=-41) and positively with vigour (r=.34), whereas body mass reduction correlated
positively with anger (r=0.60) and depression (r=0.47).
DISCUSSION
Researchers have stated that BRUMS is a highly variable ‘state’ construct (Marttinen, Judelson, Wiersma, &
Coburn, 2011), thus suggesting its questionable reliability; however, the present study rejects that assumption.
The BRUMS reliability for all the mood dimensions, apart from calmness (among the less experienced wrestlers)
was satisfactory (the less experienced wrestlers average α=.72; the more experienced wrestlers average
α=.80). Two factors were extracted by means of factor analysis. Vigour and calmness were the two leading
positive mood state factors. On the other hand, depression was the highest negative mood state factor, while
fatigue was the lowest negative mood state factor that, due to its lack of significance, was not included into
further data analysis despite the fact that numeric values listed it on the negative mood state factor scale.
We may assume that the lack of significant difference in the variable fatigue might be attributed to the fact that
fatigue may be perceived as either a physical or mood state. A similar factor structure of BRUMS was confirmed
in a study of Malaysian adolescent athletes (Hashim, Zulkifli, & Yusof, 2010). The obtained results suggest that
BRUMS is a reliable and valid tool for estimating moods of adolescent wrestlers.
Numerical values of wrestlers’ pre-competition mood states are somewhat perplexing. Namely, the less
experienced wrestlers manifested a tendency for higher scores on negative mood states and slightly lower
scores on all the positive mood states, whereas in the variable vigour, even the significant difference was
established between the groups (p=0.004). Emotions and anxiety are related; some newer theories include
anxiety among emotions (Spielberger, 2013). Anxiety and emotional disorders are characterized by a long-
lasting powerful negative emotion (Campbell-Sills, Barlow, Brown, & Hofmann, 2006). Research on competition
anxiety has ascertained that absence of anxiety is not a desirable pre-competition mood state (Lavallee, Kremer,
Moran, & Williams, 2008; Tišma, 2008). A certain level of pre-competition psychological arousal is necessary
to prevent athletes from entering a bout too relaxed or careless. We can assume that this provides an acceptable
answer to the question why the less experienced wrestlers had a slightly “better” emotional profile. Further, they
reduced a greater amount of body mass, which is a procedure that is negatively correlated with mood states
(Karninčić, Baić, & Slačanac, 2016).
The more experienced wrestlers in this study tended to score higher on the negative mood states, while, at the
same time, they performed significantly better in competitions, i.e. they were higher ranked (p=0.03). Similar
results have been found among adolescent karatekas – the winners were higher on negative and lower on
positive mood states (Wong, Thung, & Pieter, 2006). The sample of adolescent athletes from China scored
lower on the scale of anger and energy. We may assume that the lower values of Chinese karatekas were
connected with the fact that they did not reduce body mass, but also with the time the questionnaire was applied
– in our study it was before a competition, whereas in the Chinese study it was before a training session (Zhang,
Si, Chung, Du, & Terry, 2014).
Poor mood states should not reflect on the wrestlers’ competition performance. The conducted correlation
analysis demonstrated that in the less experienced wrestlers anger had a hindering impact on competition
placement (r=-.41). On the other hand, anger was among the experienced wrestlers slightly higher, but it did
not correlate with the competition placement. It is feasible to conclude that the wrestlers of both groups were

under the influence of the situation (pre-competition), but a greater experience facilitated emotion control in the
more experienced wrestlers, so their mood states did not reflect negatively on their championship performance.
Apart from a direct experience with pleasant and/or unpleasant emotions during a lifetime, an individual may
approach, on his/her reflexive level, to knowledge of his/her own and other peoples’ mood states developed
and gained through experiences which enables him/her to monitor, validate and control emotions (Takšić, 2003).
Experienced wrestlers somehow channel their negative mood states into useful work, or they have developed
defensive mechanisms that help them block mood impact on their performance. That might be the outcome of
a frequent exposure to stressful situations, competitions being one of them. An individual who comes across
such a situation, in which his/her negative mood states are aroused, selects from his/her prior experiences
those outcomes that will improve his/her current mood state. This is called maintaining pleasant and improving
unpleasant mood states (Mayer & Stevens, 1994). Highly emotional and intelligent athletes tend to have such
ability (Lane, Thelwell, & Devonport, 2009). Mood states control, therefore, depends on emotional intelligence
and experience. Young adolescent wrestlers are apparently not experienced enough to improve their mood
states, but, nevertheless, having experience can help them to avoid having their hampering mood states reflect
on their performance.
In order to determine when the needed psychological skills are gained, how many matches and how much
training experience is needed to acquire those skills, future studies should include more age categories. To get
a broader insight, the correlation between emotional intelligence and experience might be investigated.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study we examined the relations between training experience and pre-competition mood states of cadet
wrestlers. After the BRUMS’ validity and reliability had been confirmed on the sample of adolescent wrestlers,
further analyses were done. The more experienced adolescent wrestlers still cannot control their mood states,
but, fortunately, their negative mood states do not correlate with their competition placement. However, we dare
to assume that their longer experience empowered them to channel their negative emotions into beneficial work.
Negative mood states among the less experienced wrestlers negatively correlate with their competition
placement, but positively correlate with the body mass reduction. Therefore, we may conclude that training
experience plays an important role in mental stability (even at this age), thus confirming the hypothesis that one
should get involved in sports early enough so that defensive mechanisms can be developed adequately.
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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MATCHES OF RUSSIAN TEAMS IN
FREESTYLE AND FEMALE WRESTLING5
Latishev S. 1, Korobeynikov G. 2, Latishev N.V., 2 Curby D.G. 3, Korobeynikova L.G. 2, Tropin Y. 4
1Don State Technical University, Russia

2National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine, Ukraine
3International Network of Wrestling Researchers, USA
4Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Ukraine
ABSTRACT
The results of the performances of the Russian National Teams in Freestyle and Women’s wrestling at the
European Championships, World Championships and Olympics Games for the period from 1993 to 2016.
Freestyle Team performs stably and successfully at all competitions, and the percentage of medalists is within
60 - 77.34% of the number of participants, more than half of the medals - gold. The results of the performance
of the Women’s Team are comparable to the results of the Freestyle Team only at European Championships,
and at the World Championships and Olympics Games, the women’s performance is much weaker.
Kew words: Freestyle and Women’s wrestling, competitions, Championships, Olympics Games.
INTRODUCTION
In the Soviet Union, and now in Russia, special attention was paid to the development of sports, especially the
sport of higher achievements. Russian athletes always perform well at international competitions, and in certain
sports, in particular in single combats, they are the main competitors in the fight for medals (Latyshev &
Latyshev, 2007; Latyshev, Latyshev & Gavrilin, 2008; Кorobeynikov, Korobeinikova & Latyshev, 2014) Russia,
as a separate state, participated in the Games of the Olympics six times. This is a fairly long period in order to
draw some conclusions about the effectiveness of the system of training athletes.
The Russian National Freestyle Wrestling Team is a favorite in all international competitions. Women’s
Wrestling is a relatively young Olympic sport (included in the program of the Olympics since 2004), and the
Russian Team in this species already successfully competes in Europe and is trying to take a worthy position
in the world ranking. At all Olympics Games, the Russian National Team in Freestyle Wrestling was represented
by a full team, and for the Women’s Wrestling competition, only in the Olympic Games in London 2012 and Rio
de Janeiro 2016 in the starting lineups was not enough for one athlete (Tünnemann & Curby, 2016).
The analysis of the results of National Teams on the types of wrestling at official international competitions for
a sufficiently long period allows us to determine the features and trends in the development of these sports in
Russia and to predict further results (Latyshev, 2009; Latyshev, 2013; Korobeynikov, Latyshev, Latyshev,
Goraschenko, & Korobeynikova, 2016). This is a necessary task in sport of higher achievements.
Purpose of study - a comparative analysis of the results of the performances of the Russian National Teams
in Freestyle and Women’s Wrestling at the official international competitions for the period from 1993 to 2016.
METHODS
The methods: analysis of scientific-methods literature, analysis of official protocols of competitions, methods of
mathematical statistics were used in this work.
RESULTS
Sports competitions in the Olympic sports are the central element that determines the entire system of
organization, methods and training of athletes for effective competitive activity (Platonov, 2013; Korobeynikov,
Latyshev, Latyshev, Goraschenko, & Korobeynikova, 2016). The most important and prestigious competitions
are the Olympics Games. All four-year training of top-class athletes is aimed at obtaining the right to participate
in these competitions (obtaining a license) and winning medals in them. Therefore, it is logical to consider the
performances of national teams within the boundaries of each four-year Olympic training cycle.
The annual official international competitions are European Championships, World Championships and World
Cups. The results of performances at these competitions are the main result of the year, and the dynamics of
the results characterizes the effectiveness of the entire training system. The right to participate in the World Cup
depends on the performances of National Teams at the last World Championships. In this regard, the men's
team did not participate in the World Cup in 1999, and the Women’s Team in 2008 and 2013. In addition, the
World Cups for Women’s Wrestling began to be held only in 2001, and therefore a comparative analysis of the
performance of the teams at these competitions is not informative and is not included.

The annual official international competitions are European Championships, World Championships and World
Cups. The results of performances at these competitions are the main result of the year, and the dynamics of
the results characterizes the effectiveness of the entire training system. The right to participate in the World Cup
depends on the performances of National Teams at the last World Championships. In this regard, the Men’s
Team did not participate in the World Cup in 1999, and the Women’s Team in 2008 and 2013. In addition, the
World Cups for Women’s Wrestling began to be held only in 2001, and therefore a comparative analysis of the
performance of the teams at these competitions is not informative and is not further considered.
It should be noted that Women’s Wrestling has been included as an Olympic sport only since 2002, and the first
sets of medals were competed for at the Olympic Games in Athens 2004. In addition, now in both Freestyle
Wrestling and in Women’s Wrestling there are Olympic and non-Olympic weight classes, but we will only
analyze the performances in the Olympic weight classes. The number of Olympic categories became the same
for male and for female in 2014 with 6 categories (until 2014, men had more weight categories).
Therefore, for convenience of analysis from a single position, we introduce (the indicator) the notion of "team
medal performance" - is the ratio of the number of medals won by the National Team to the number of weight
categories (for competitions with weight categories, where in each category there can only be one athlete from
the country) and "Gold medal of the performance of the National Team" is the ratio of the number of gold medals
won by the national team to the number of members of the National Team.
Consistently consider the performances of national teams in official competitions. The time intervals of the
analysis will correspond to the four-year Olympic training cycles.
European Championships. Note that in 2015, instead of the European Championship, the European Games
were held. These competitions in terms of the level and number of participants are identical, so the results of
the performance of teams at the European Games the same and will be reckoned as the results of the
performance at the European Championships.
At the European championships, 188 medals (Gold through Bronze) were won (in the Olympic weight classes):
men won 140 medals, women - 48 medals (table 1). Average medal tally for six Olympic cycles was 77.34% for
men and 70.59% for women. The greatest medal tally for men is in the fourth Olympic cycle (85.71%), and for
women in the fifth (87.5%). The lowest medal tally for men is in the first Olympic cycle (69.23%), and for women
in the sixth (59.1%).
Table 1. Results of the Performance of Russian National Teams in Freestyle and Women’s Wrestling at
the European Championships
Period (the Male Female
Olympic cycle) Number of Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
medals of gold of medals of gold
medals medals
1993-1996 27 69.23% 14 35.9% - - - -
1997-2000 24 75% 13 40.62% - - - -
2001-2004 23 79.31% 13 44.82% 8 66.7% 5 41.67%
2005-2008 24 85.71% 15 53.57% 13 81.25% 9 56.25%
2009-2012 22 78.57% 14 50% 14 87.5% 2 12.5%
2013-2016 20 80% 12 48% 13 59.1% 6 27.27%
Total (average) 140 77.34% 81 44.75% 48 70.59% 22 32.35%
The average gold medal tally for the six Olympic cycles for men was 44.75%, and for women only 32.35%. The
greatest gold medal tally for men and women is observed in the fourth Olympic cycle and is 53.57% and 56.25%,
respectively. These figures mean that in the fourth Olympic cycle (2005-2008) of all 37 medals won, more than
half were gold, with every second athlete winning a gold medal. The lowest gold medal tally for men is in the
first Olympic cycle (35.9%), and for women, in the fifth (12.5%). Thus, both men and women in the European
Championships in general are very successful and the number of medals per participant (medal) is almost the
same: ten participants have 7-8 medals. But gold medals for men are 1.38 times higher than for women.
World Championships. In the World Championships, 107 medals (of all merits) were won (in the Olympic
weight categories): men won 88 medals, women only 17 (table 2). The average medal tally for six Olympic
cycles was 64.24% for men, and for women, only 27.94%. The greatest medal tally for men is in the sixth
Olympic cycle (84.21%), and for women, in the fifth and sixth by (37.5%). The lowest medal tally for men is in
the second Olympic cycle (45.83%), and for women, in the first (25.0%).

Table 2. Results of the Performance of Russian National Teams in Freestyle and Women’s Wrestling at
the World Championships
Olympic Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
cycle) of medals of gold of medals of gold
medals medals
1993-1996 16 53.33% 4 13.33% - - - -
1997-2000 11 45.83% 5 20.83% - - - -
2001-2004 12 54.54% 9 40.90% 2 25.0% 0 0%
2005-2008 16 76.19% 12 57.14% 5 31.25% 0 0%
2009-2012 17 80.95% 10 47.61% 6 37.5% 0 0%
2013-2016 16 84.21% 7 36.84% 6 37.5% 1 6.25%
Totals 88 64.24% 47 34.31% 19 27.94% 1 1.47%
The average gold medal tally for six Olympic cycles for men was 34.31%, and for female only 1.47% (only one
gold medal was won). The greatest gold medal tally for men is in the fourth Olympic cycle (57.14%), and for
women - in the sixth (6.25%). The lowest gold medal tally for men – is in the first Olympic cycle (13.33%), and
for women - in the third, fourth and fifth (0%).
Thus, men in the World Championships in general win 2.3 times more medals than women (per participant),
and gold medals – an even higher 23 times more. Note that men in the World Championships on average, ten
participants gain at least 6 medals, three of which are gold.
Olympic Games. At the Olympics Games from 1996 to 2016 34 total medals were won (Gold through Bronze):
men won 27 medals, and women 7 (table 3). The average medal tally for six Olympic cycles was 60.0% for
male and 38.89% for women. The greatest medal tally for men is observed in the fourth Olympic cycle (85.71%),
and for women in the fifth and sixth - 50%. The lowest medal count for men is in the first Olympic cycle (40.0%),
and in women the third and fourth (25.0%).
Table 3. Results of the Performance of the Russian National Teams in Freestyle and Women’s
Wrestling at the Olympics Games
Olympic Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
cycle) of medals of gold of medals of gold
medals medals
1993-1996 4 40% 3 30% - - - -
1997-2000 5 62.5% 4 50% - - - -
2001-2004 5 71.42% 3 42.85% 1 25% 0 0%
2005-2008 6 85.71% 3 42.85% 1 25% 0 0%
2009-2012 4 57.14% 1 14.28% 2 50% 1 25%
2013-2016 3 50.0% 2 33.33% 3 50% 0 0%
Total 27 60.0% 16 35.56% 7 38.89% 1 5.56%
The average gold medal tally for six Olympic cycles for men was 35.56%, while for women only 5.56% (only
one gold medal was won). The greatest gold medal tally in men is in the third and fourth Olympic cycles
(42.85%), and in women in the fifth (25%). The lowest gold medal tally in men is in the fifth Olympic cycle
(14.28%), and in women in the third, fourth and sixth (0%).
In general, men win 1.54 times more medals at Olympics Games than women (per participant), and gold medals
6.4 times more. It should be noted that men in the Games of the Olympics have an average of 10 participants
and at least 6 medals, three of which are gold medals, among women these figures are significantly lower.
CONCLUSIONS
1. A comparative analysis of the results of the performances of the Russian National Teams in Freestyle and
Female Wrestling for the period from 1993 to 2016 was conducted. The Russian National Freestyle Wrestling
Team (men) is always very successful and stable both at the European Championships, the World
Championships and the Olympics Games. The average medal performances (the ratio of the number of medals
won to the number of participants in the competition) for six Olympic cycles for European Championships is
77.34%, World Championships - 64.24% and Olympics Games - 60%. Let's note the fact that more than half of
the medals won at each competition are gold medals. This indicates the strict focus of athletes and the team as
a whole on the highest result - gold medals.

2. The Russian National Team for Women’s Wrestling is on equal terms with the men's team only at the
European Championships - they have almost the same average medal values: for men - 77.34%, for women -
70.59%. But women win gold medals at a rate 1.38 times less.
3. At the World Championships and Olympics Games, the women’s team performs significantly weaker than
the men. This is especially evident in the number of gold medals won. So, at the Games of the Olympics men
win 6.4 times more gold medals than women, and at the World Championships, 23 times more. This is due to
the fact that in the World Championships and Games of the Olympics, strong teams of Japan, the United States,
Canada and China are added to the list of participants: athletes of these countries compete sharply and do not
allow Russian athletes to win more medals.
REFERENCES
Кorobeynikov G., Korobeinikova L., Latyshev S. (2014). Individualization of training in wrestlers. International
Journal of Wrestling Science, .4 (2), 28-33.
Korobeynikov G.V., Latyshev S.V., Latyshev N.V. Goraschenko A.U., Korobeynikova L.G. (2016). General
patterns of conducting a competitive duel and universal requirements for technical and tactical
preparedness of highly qualified fighters. Physical education of students, 1, 37–42.
Latyshev S.V. (2013). Trends in the development of freestyle wrestling. Young sports science of Ukraine, 17(1),
119–124.
Latyshev S.V., Latyshev N.V. (2007). A comparative analysis of the competitive activities of freestyle wrestlers
at the Olympics in Athens, Sydney and Atlanta. Young sports science of Ukraine, 265-278.
Latyshev N.V., Latyshev S.V., Gavrilin V.A. (2008). Analysis of Competitive Activities of Finalists in the Games
of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing on Freestyle. Theory and methods of physical education., 1, 173–180.
Latyshev S.V. (2009). The problem of selection and forecasting of sports results in free-style wrestling.
Pedagogy, psychology and medical and biological problems of physical education and sports, 10, 110–113.
Platonov VN. (2013). Periodization of sports training. Кiev: Olympic Literature.
Tünnemann H., Curby D.G. (2016). Scoring analysis of the wrestling from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
International Journal of Wrestling Science, 6 (4), 90-116.

ANALYSIS OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARAMETERS IN GRECO
ROMAN WRESTLING MATCHES FROM THE SENIOR WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIP 2017, THE SENIOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2018
AND THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2018
Milorad Dokmanac1 and Kristijan Slačanec2
1United World Wrestling Technical Commission

2University of Zagreb
INTRODUCTION
This analysis is based on the three the most important wrestling competitions in Greco-Roman Style in 2017
and 2018, the Senior World Championship (2017), the Senior European Championship (2018) and Senior World
Championship (2018).
Beginning on January 1st, 2018, new wrestling rules were applied. The first significant change was related to
the change in the number of weight categories. There was an increase in non-Olympic categories from 2 to 4.
Because of the different number of weight categories in the two world championships, the complete analysis
could not be based on absolute numbers, so the analysis was based on percentages (%).
A second big change in the wrestling rules was the return of the rule where the wrestlers could choose to
continue the match in parterre or in the standing position after they have received a first and second warning
for being passive. In 99% of cases, the continuation of the match after passivity is in a parterre position. This
change in the wrestling rules significantly has changed the structure of the points scored for the performed
wrestling techniques.
Changes in the wrestling rules were necessary because, according to the old rules, the winners in the wrestling
matches were wrestlers who were physically conditioned and came to win with the least risk.
Because of the change in the wrestling rules, points of passivity were no longer so prominent in the wrestlers
who won the match, but more and more points for the techniques were decided by the winner. However, if you
look at the structure of the technical points, it is evident that this increase in technical points came mostly due
to the implementation of a wrestling technique, the gut wrench (a technique in parterre), which has become the
dominant technique in wrestling, which is not very attractive to the audience. By introducing a new rule that the
continuation of the match after passivity can continue in the parterre position, the number of points in the parterre
position has been significantly increased. At the WC 2017, the number of points from the standing position was
12.31%, EC 2018 - 31.38%, and at WC 2019 - 41.90%. This was a big changing in the past year. The prognosis
is that if this trend remains in the future, there will be equal points in the standing and parterre position.
The analysis was done along two samples. The first sample was all matches, and the second was only the
medal matches (I-II and III-V place). This was necessary because the results obtained in all matches (due to
the large difference in quality) in the 1st and 2nd rounds do not give the most realistic picture of the wrestling at
the highest level. The best indicators of changes in wrestling rules are medal matches. By looking at the
following figures, it is possible to extract some conclusions about the consequences of changes in the rules of
wrestling.
WC 2017 ALL MATCHES - Technical Points (TP) &

120 Other Points (OP) in %
100
80 65.35 66.00
58.74 53.78 63.37 54.84
51.84 56.02 53.24
60
36.63 34.00
40
48.16 43.98 46.76
20 41.26 46.22 45.16
34.65
0
59 kg 66 kg 71 kg 75 kg 8o kg 85 kg 98 kg 130 kg Total
TP OP
Figure 1

EC 2018 ALL MATCHES - TP & OP in %
120
100 85.87
71.53 75.86 73.76
67.63 69.41 67.31 68.62
80 61.42 62.21
56.89
60
40
43.11 38.58
20 37.79
28.47 24.14 32.37 30.59 32.69 31.38
26.24
0 14.13
55 kg 60 kg 63 kg 67 kg 72 kg 77 kg 82 kg 87 kg 97 kg 130 kg Total
TP OP
Figure 2.
WC 2018 ALL MATCHES - TP & OP in %

120
100 82.68
76.47 77.21 75.47 72.64 77.47
71.86
80 64.22 63.84 64.34 59.51
60
40
20 35.78 36.16 35.66 40.49
23.53 22.79 24.53 27.36 28.14
17.32 22.53
0
55 kg 60 kg 63 kg 67 kg 72 kg 77 kg 82 kg 87 kg 97 kg 130 Total
TP OP kg
Figure 3.
WC 2017 Medal Matches TP - OP in %

150
100 100.00 100.00 100.00

46.67 83.33
62.50
50 70.37 57.48
40.63
29.63 59.38 53.33 16.67
0.00 37.50 0.00 42.52
0.00
0
59 kg 66 kg 71 kg 75 kg 8o kg 85 kg 98 kg 130 kg Total
TP OP
Figure 4.
EC 2018 Medal Matches TP - OP in %

120
88.89
69.23 73.33 69.57 65.46
54.55 58.82 61.90 55.56 62.07
70 50.00
45.45 41.18 50.00

20 38.10 44.44 37.93 34.54
30.77 26.67 30.43
11.11
-30
kg
TP OP
Figure 5.

WC 2018 Medal Matches TP & OP in %
120
100 88.00 82.35
77.27
70.00
80 60.87 63.16 62.50 63.02
50.00 55.5687.50
60
40
50.00 44.4412.50
20 39.13 36.84 37.50 36.98
30.00
0 22.73 17.65
12.00
TP OP kg
Figure 6
WC 2017 All Matches TOTAL TP & OP in %

70
53.24
60
46.76
50
40
30
20
10
0
TOTAL TP TOTAL OP
Figure 7.
EC 2018 All Matches TOTAL TP& OP in %

68.62
70
60
50
40
31.38
30
20
10
0
TOTAL TP TOTAL OP
Figure 8.
WC 2018 ALL MATCHES TOTAL TP & OP in %

71.86
80
60
40 28.14
20
0
TOTAL TP TOTAL OP
Figure 9.

WC 2017 Medal Matches TOTAL TP & OP in %
70
57. 48
60
50
42.52
40
30
20
10
0
TOTAL TP TOTAL OP
Figure 10.
EC 2018 Medal Matches TOTAL TP & OP in %

70
65.46
60
50
34.54
40
30
20
10
0
TOTAL TP TOTAL OP
Figure 11.
WC 2018 Medal Matches TOTAL TP & OP in %

70 63.02
60
50
36.98
40
30
20
10
0
TOTAL TP TOTAL OP
Figure 12.
COMMENT (Figures 1 – 12)

The analysis consists of two parts. The first part has analyzed all wrestling matches, the second part was based
on the analysis of medal matches for first place and 3rd place. Figures 1-3 shows the number of points achieved
in all matches by weight categories by the following two parameters:
1. Technical Points as percentage of total points (TP) for performing wrestling techniques - (STANDING
POSITION: throws, take down, counter attack; PARTERRE POSITION: gut wrench, lifts, turn over, counter
attack),
2. Other Points as percentage of total points (OP) for non-wrestling techniques - (STANDING POSITION:
passivity, caution, push out, challenge; PARTERRE POSITION: caution, challenge).
Figures 4-6 show the number of points achieved in medal matches by weight categories by the same two
parameters, TP% and OP.

Figures 7-12 show TP% and OP% results for all weight categories combined by both all matches or medal
matches.
ALL MATCHES
Analysis of the all matches on WC 2017 TP is lower than the other points (OP). The range between the lowest
and the highest percentage of technical points (TP) by weight category was 36.63%, and up to 63.35%. The
number of points for other techniques (OP) range ranged from 34.65 % to 66.00 %. In two weight categories,
the percentage of other points (OP) was less than the percentage points for technical points (TP). The means
were 46.76% for technical points (TP) and 53.24% for other points (OP).
Analysis of the all matches for EC 2018 (Figure 2) in all weight categories, the results are much different
after the change of the rules. The range between the smallest and the highest percentage of technical points
by weight categories was 56.89%, and up to 85.87%. The number of points for other techniques ranged from
14.13% to 43.11%. In no weight category, were the percentage of technical points (TP) greater than the
percentage of points for other techniques (OP). The mean were 68.62% points for technical points (TP) and
31.38% for other points (OP).
Analysis of the all matches on WC 2018 (Figure 3) in all weight categories, the results are similar to EC 2018.
The range between the lowest and the highest percentage of technical points (TP) by weight categories was
59.51% and up to 82,68%. The number of points for other techniques (OP) ranged from 17.32% to 40.49%. In
none of the weight categories, was the percentage of technical points (TP) was not les than the percentage of
points for other techniques (OP). Average points were 71.86% for technical points (TP) and 28.14% for other
points (OP).
This reason for the change in the the last two competitions was that the wrestlers could choose to continue the
fight on the parterre position after passivity, where it is much easier to make points than in the standing position.
Comparing EC 2018 and WC 2018, the percentage of points for technical points (TP) in all matches were slightly
increased from 68.62% to 71.86% (an increase of 3.24%).
MEDAL MATCHES
Analysis of the final matches on WC 2017 (Figure 4) By weight categories, it is visible that as 5 weight
categories the number of technical points (TP) is lower than the other points (OP) that the wrestlers received
without having performed any wrestling technique. Particularly significant is the fact that in the final matches,
the winners in 3 weight categories won a gold or bronze medal without having made a single technical point,
but until the victory they came to the referee assessment who the wrestler was more active in that fight. Average
points were 42.52% for technical points (TP) and 57.48% for other points (OP).
Analysis of the final matches on EC 2018 (Figure 5) showed that there was a significant change in the points
structure in the final matches, analyzing all weight categories separately, in terms of technical points, from
42.52% to 65.46% (an increase of 22.94%). In only one weight category, the number of technical points (TP)
was lower in relation to other points (OP) and in one weight category was equal to 50% for these two parameters.
An average of 65.46% points were for technical points (TP) and 34.54% for other points (OP).
Analysis of final matches on WC 2018 (Figure 6) showed a similarity to EC 2018., with a slight decrease in
the percentage of technical points (TP) from 65.46% to 63.02% (a decrease of 2.44%). The same as in the
previous championship in only one weight category, the number of technical points (TP) was lower than the
other points (OP) and in one weight category was equal to 50% for these two parameters. An average of 63.02%
points were for technical points (TP) and 36.98% for other points (OP).
These data suggest that changes have taken place for the better, because the percentage of points for the
performed wrestling techniques (TP) in relation to the other points (OP) has increased, but the exceptionally
high percentage of points that the wrestlers win without making any wrestling technique above 30% (at the last
WC 2018, the percentage in finals matches are very high and it is 36.98%). However, that there is some hope
that the effects are headed in the right direction is the fact that in all matches on the WC 2018 technical points
(TP) amounted to almost 72%, while the percentage of other techniques (OT) fell below 30% (28.14%).

WCH 2017 ALL MATCHES - TP - PASSIVITY - OP in %
80
70
53.24
60
50
40 30.10
30
16.67
20
10
0
TECH P. ONLY PASSIVITY OTHER P.
Figure 13.
ECH 2018 ALL MATCHES - TP - PASSIVITY - OP in %

80 68.62
60
40
15.24 16.14
20
0
Figure 14.
WCH 2018 ALL MATCHES TP - PASSIVITY - OP in %

80 71.86
70
60
50
40
30
20
15.33
12.81
10
0
TECH. P. ONLY PASIVITY OTHER P.
Figure 15.
WC 2017 Medal Matches TP - PASSIVITY P. - OP in %

80
70
60
50 42.52 42.52
40
30
20
14.96
10
0
Figure 16.

EC 2018 Medal Matches -TP - PASSIVITY - OP in %
80
64.66
60
40
22.09
20
13.25
0
Figure 17.
WC 2018. /I-II; III-V / TP - PASSIVITY P. - OP in %
80
70 63.02
60
50
40
30 20.83 16.15
20
10
0
TECH. P. ONLY PASIVITY OTHER P.
Figure 18.
COMMENT (Figures 13 – 18.)
The Senior World Championships 2017 was the last big competition that was contested under the old rules. The
analysis of this championship indicates catastrophic results. The information from the medal matches showed
that wrestlers scored 42.52% points from passivity (Figure 16), which means that they didn't score with a
wrestling technique. This data suggests that something had to be changed in the wrestling rules. After this
championship, this was done.
At the following two big championships in 2018. in the medal matches at the Senior European Championships,
this percentage of passivity was 13.25% and at the Senior World Championships, 20.83%. There was a
significant decrease in points for passivity. Unfortunately, at the WC 2018, the number of points allocated for
passivity is again high (20.83%). If all the matches in the championships are analyzed, the number of points for
passivity is halved, from 30% it is reduced to 15%.
One of the main reasons for this decrease in the percentage of points for passivity is because the wrestlers
after the passivity made the points in the parterre and the referee did not have the need to assign passivity so
often.
Nevertheless, there was a reduction in points for passivity, but at the same time, there was an increase in
other points that were not the result of the wrestling technique. In the final matches at the WC 2017, this
amounted to 14.96% (Figure 16), and at the EC 2018 it was 22.09% (Figure 17).
However, there was a decrease in points for passivity, but at the same time there was an increase for other
points that were not the result of the wrestling technique, with the exception of all matches at the WC 2018,
when for the other points there were a total of 12.81% (Figure 15).

WC 2017 POINTS IN ALL MATCHES /
STANDING & PARTERRE in %
100
87.69
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20 12.31
10
0
Figure 19.
EC 2018 POINTS IN ALL MATCHES

100
90
80 68.62
70
60
50
40 31.38
30
20
10
0
Figure 20
WC 2018 POINTS ALL MATCHES

100
80
58.10
60
41.90
40
20
0
Figure 21.
WC 2017 POINTS IN MEDAL MATCHES

100 81.89
50
18.11
0
Figure 22.

80
64.66
60
40 35.34
20
Figure 23.

80
58.33
60
41.67
40
20
Figure 24.
COMMENT (Figures 19 – 24)

Changes in the wrestling rules from January 1, 2018, significantly changed the point structure if the points
scored in the standing position are analyzed in relation to the points in the parterre position. At the WC 2017, in
all matches, only 12.31% of the points were won in the parterre position (Figure 19), and 18.11% in the medal
matches (Figure 22). By changing the rules, at the EC 2018, the number of points for parterre techniques in all
matches was increased. This increase was dramatic in all matches, amounting up to 31.38% (Figure 22) and
35.34 % in medal matches (Figure 23).
The tendency for scoring points in the parterre was continued at the WC 2018. In all matches, this increase was
more than 10% and amounted to 41.90% (Figure 21,) compared to EC 2018. A similar situation was also
observed in the medal matches where 41.67% of all points were won in a parterre position (Figure 24) These
changes were expected because the wrestlers, after assigning passivity, went to the parterre position. For this
reason, the wrestlers had a much more frequent opportunity to make points from the parterre position compared
to the WC 2017 where there was not an ordered parterre. This change in the rules of wrestling has dramatically
influenced the training of athletes where increased attention is given to the execution of techniques in a parterre
position, and to subsequently reduce the points for the performed techniques in the standing position.

WC 2017 FINAL AND ALL MATCHES EC 2018 FINAL AND ALL MATCHES WC 2018 FINAL AND ALL MATCHES
TECNIQUES IN % TECHNIQUES IN % TECHNIQUES IN %
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
13.39 18.07 S-THROWS 18.75

S-THROWS S-THROWS
21.07 14.40 19.03
12.60 17.67 S-TAKE DOWN 8.33
S-TAKE DOWN S-TAKE DOWN
16.99 13.56 11.16
4.72 2.41 S-COUNTER AT. 2.08
S-COUNTER AT. S-COUNTER AT.
3.82 2.71 3.11
42.52 13.25 S-PASSIVITY 20.83
S-PASSIVITY S-PASSIVITY
30.10 15.24
15.33
1.57 10.84 S-CAUTION 1.04
S-CAUTION S-CAUTION
4.25 6.46
3.29
7.09 7.23
S-PUSH OUT S-PUSH OUT S-PUSH OUT 4.69
9.71 5.42
4.65
0.00 2.41
S--CHALLENGE S--CHALLENGE S-CHALLENGE 2.6
1.75 1.48
1.54
3.15 16.87
P-GUT WRENCH P-GUT WRENCH P-GUT WRENCH 11.46
5.10 23.76
21.88
4.72 8.84
P-LIFTS P-LIFTS P-LIFTS 16.15
3.24 8.91
9.62
1.57 0.80
P-TURN OVER P-TURN OVER P-TURN OVER 4.17
1.59 3.10
- 3.88
P-COUNTER AT.
2.36 P-COUNTER AT.
1.43 2.19 P-COUNTER AT. 2.08
0.80 3.18
P-CAUTION
6.30 P-CAUTION
0.85 2.19 P-CAUTION 6.26
0.00 0.80 2.63
P-CHALL.ENGE P-CHALL.ENGE
0.11 0.58 P-CHALLENGE 1.56
0.70
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
FINAL ALL MATCHES FINALS ALL MATCHES FINALS ALL MATCHES
Figure 25. Figure 26. Figure 27.
p. 27
COMMENT (Figures 25-27)
By changing the wrestling rules from January 1, 2018, it was expected that the structure of the points in relation
to certain wrestling techniques (TP), as well as in relation to other points (OP) that are not considered as
wrestling techniques, will change. Through the analysis of the data in figures 25-27, we can conclude the
following:
1. The number of points awarded for passive wrestling went from a maximum of 42.52% in medal matches at the
WC 2017 to 20.83% at the WC 2018, and was substantially reduced at the EC 2017 to 13.25%).
2. Likewise, when all the matches were analyzed, there was a significant reduction in the points that were given
for passivity - from 30.10% at the WC 2017, to 15.33% at the WC 2018. The EC 2017 value was 15,24%.
3. Wrestling throws in medal matches increased from 13% in the WC 2017 to 18%, in the WC 2018, but when all
matches are examined the number of throws decreased, from 21.07 % to 19.03%.
4. There was a decrease in points for push outs, because the new rule did not automatically call for a point
to be awarded. However, by reviewing the videos, it can be seen that referees do not apply the same criterion
for giving points for leaving the mat. In one case, one point is given, and in the same situation in the second
match, no point is awarded. This inconsistent interpretation of the same situations in a wrestling match must be
addressed, or completely abolish this rule.
5. Compared to 2017, the gut wrench again became the most dominate technique with which points were scored,
so that in the medal matches of the WC 2018, 21.88% of all points were for the gut wrench, and in the EC 2018
it was even higher – 23.76%, compared to 2017 when only 5.10% of all points were awarded for the gut wrench.
6. The technique that is becoming more and more pronounced is the lift from the mat. With this technique, 16.15%
of points were achieved in the medal matches, when compared to 2017 when it accounted for 4.72% of the
points, which is 4 times greater. A large increase was also seen in the turn over technique which went from
1.57% in the final matches in the WC 2017 to 4.17% points in the WC 2018,
WC 2017 ALL MATCHES & MEDAL MATCHES

WQ/min.
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.17
1.2
0.94
1
0.8
ALL MATCHES WQ/min MEDAL MATCHES WQ/min
Figure 28.
WC 2018 ALL MATCHES & MEDAL MATCHES -

WQ/min.
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2 1.55 1.64
1
0.8
Figure 29.

WC 2018 ALL MATCHES & MEDAL MATCHES
WQ/min
2
1.8
1.75
1.6
1.35
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
Figure 30.
COMMENT (Figures 28-30)
At the WC 2017, the average number of points per minute of the match (WQ/min) in all matches was 1.17
(Figure 28.), a year later at the EC 2018, it was 1.55 (Figure 29), and at the WC 2018 it increased to 1.75 (Figure
30) points per minute of match.
If only the final matches are examined, the situation is somewhat different and the best results are seen at the
EC 2017, where this index was 1.64 points per minute of the match (Figure 29). At the WC 2018, this index was
1.35 points per minute of the match (Figure 30).
These results can be considered a significant increase and improvement over the previous period.
FINAL COMMENTS AND PROPOSALS
Based on the analysis presented, the last three major competitions (WC 2017, EC 2018 and WC 2018), it can
be concluded that there has been some progress in the wrestling match.
The wrestlers scored substantially more points in comparison to the previous years, as the number of points
scored per minute of the match (WQ/min) increased from 1.17 to 1.75.
The structure of the points according to the analyzed parameters for the implemented wrestling techniques has
been changed.
Also, the ratio of points awarded for those situations that cannot be classified as wrestling techniques is different.
There was a significant increase in the number of points made in the parterre position, but this is mostly due to
one technique - the gut wrench.
There remains a strong criticism of a significant number of points that are being given where wrestlers do not
perform any wrestling technique (OP) and according to the new rules of wrestling it is 36.98%, which is more
than 1/3 of all points in the final wrestling matches.
PROPOSALS:
1. It is necessary to consider the proposal to abolish the awarding of points for passive wrestling. It is punishment
enough that the opponent has to go in the parterre position.
2. A rule that defines "DESTRUCTIVE WRESTLING" needs to be fully implemented and consistently applied in
the wrestling match, in order to allow wrestlers to perform wrestling techniques. If this rule is not applied,
catching and holding fingers, keeping a low head position, will continue to prevent the performance of wrestling
techniques. By consistently applying this rule, the percentage of points for other techniques would be
significantly reduced (OT),
3. It is necessary to reconsider the rule of giving a point for stepping out of the mat, because of the totally uneven
administration of this rule by the officials.

THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE EXERCISE WITH BLOOD FLOW
AND RESPIRATORY RESTRICTION ON BLOOD LACTATE AND GROWTH
HORMONE IN COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS
Rahmani & Bahman Mirzaei Abolfaz
Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Guilan
bmirzaei2000@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Resistance activity with new methods of exercise such as blood flow and respiration restriction has been
performed at a lower intensity in pursuing various physiological responses. The main purpose of this research
was to study the effect of blood flow and respiratory restriction on blood lactate concentration and growth
hormone in the acute response to resistance exercise in collegiate wrestlers. A counter- balanced design was
used in which 8 collegiate wrestlers (mean age 26.87±4.7 years and body mass index 25.26±2.49 kg/m2) were
randomly assigned in three conditions including: control (80%1RM) and resistance exercise with blood flow and
respiratory restriction (30%1RM). Four sets of squats were used as the resistance exercise. Blood samples
were collected before and immediately after exercise. The data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA
using SPSS software (version 19) with a significance level of p <0.05. All three types of exercise caused a
significant increase in lactate and growth hormone immediately after the exercise, but no significant difference
was observed between the groups. The results of this study indicated that resistance exercise with restriction
of blood flow and respiration can lead to increased metabolic and hormonal responses. This research also
confirms the effectiveness of this type of exercise and satisfies the goals expected from high intensity exercises.
Keywords: KAATSU Training, Weight Training, Training Mask
INTRODUCTION
Resistance training is an effective training method for increasing metabolism and secretion of anabolic
hormones. This can improve the growth of skeletal muscle. Resistance exercise stimulates the hormone
response and affects the endocrine system in the long and short term. This acute hormonal reaction is the
most important element for growth of muscle mass (Kawamori & Haff, 2004). Moreover, the changes in the
central and lateral nervous system occur to enable the activation of motor units for the production of the
special force. Evidence shows that high intensity exercises affect the concentration of metabolic levels and
hormones such as growth hormones, and their secretion is correlated with exercise intensity (Pearson,
Faigenbaum, Conley & Kraemer, 2000). Resistance exercise has an important effect on public health,
prevention and even treatment of many diseases of adult age (aging) and is often prescribed to enhance the
ability of an individual to reduce and prevent injury associated with increasing age (such as osteoporosis)
(Abe, Yasuda, et al., 2005). Therefore, there is a need for designing exercises according to safe and effective
methods for the elderly, injured athletes, and other groups that require increased muscular strength. However,
it is not necessary to tolerate these hard exercises (high intensity). Studies show that if an exercise has been
programmed with less than maximum intensity (less than 50% of a maximal repeat), but with limited blood flow,
low pressure input on the joints and ligaments, will result in less damage. However, in the same state, it also
has enough stimulation to increase muscle size and strength (Fujita, Brechue, Kurita, Sato, & Abe, 2008). The
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends a training intensity of 70% to 85% of a maximal
repeat (1RM) in order to achieve goals such as increased growth hormone and protein synthesis (Ahtiainen,
Pakarinen, Alen, Kraemer & Häkkinen, 2005; H. Takano et al., 2005). Research has shown mechanical stresses
caused by high intensity resistance exercises (more than 70% of 1RM). It increases the concentration of
metabolic stress indicators such as lactate and growth hormone due to resistance training, which itself leads to
increased strength and muscular hypertrophy (Fujita et al., 2008; Takarada et al., 2000). Blood obstruction
exercises include reducing muscle blood flow by usually using a device such as a blood pressure cuff. It should
be noted that closure of the cuff takes place in the proximal area of the target tissue to limit blood flow. This
method of training, despite having low intensity activities (10% to 30% of maximum working capacity) provides
a positive training adaptation and can be a unique and beneficial method in the medical field (Stand, 2009).
Performing resistance training under systemic hypoxia increases lactate levels and secretion of hormones such
as growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor and testosterone (Nishimura et al., 2010; Scott, Slattery, Sculley,
& Dascombe, 2014). Research has shown that this type of training improves the aerobic and anaerobic systems,
and is itself a factor in increasing power (Hamlin, Marshall, Hellemans, Ainslie, & Anglem, 2010; Meeuwsen,
Hendriksen & Holewijn, 2001). Unlike topical hypoxia which affects a particular part of the body (upper and
lower extremity), systemic hypoxia allows large muscle groups or the total body to be affected (Scott et al.,
2014). Therefore, numerous studies have been done on the effects of these exercises on metabolic and
hormonal responses. Following a resistance exercise session with limited blood flow increased the growth
hormone significantly after ten minutes (S. Fujita et al., 2007). Resistance training under hypoxic conditions was

shown to increase metabolites like lactate and hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone (Kon et al.,
2010). In addition, similar changes from local and systemic hypoxia have been reported (Laurentino et al., 2012;
Takarada, Sato, & Ishii, 2002). However, the effects of blood flow restriction are greater than systemic hypoxia
(Manimmanakorn, Hamlin, Ross, Taylor, & Manimmanakorn, 2013). Even so, it has recently been shown that
exercises under systemic hypoxia have the same response to blood flow restraint, but it is better to use
exercises for circulatory restriction for elderly people and systemic hypoxia for athletes (Scott, Slattery, Sculley
& Dascombe, 2014). It is worth noting that the importance of studying exercise methods (circulatory and
systemic hypoxia limitation) is evident when used as a complementary exercise method to improve physical
fitness. These exercises can be applied at a low load to achieve maximum positive adaptations with the least
possible damage to heavy loads for wrestlers. In addition, since the anaerobic glycolysis system is the main
supplier of energy in wrestling, these types of exercise may have positive effects, such as increased anaerobic
capacity and lactate tolerance. Therefore, this research aimed to study the effect of blood flow and respiratory
restriction on blood lactate concentrations and growth hormone in the acute response to resistance exercise in
collegiate wrestlers.
METHODS
Participants were eight collegiate wrestlers (age = 26.87±4.7 yrs, height = 174.5±9 cm, weight = 77.50±1.4 kg,
BMI = 25.26±2.49 kg/m2) were selected in a natural state of health (interviewed by physician in terms of records
of illness and physical impairment). After the final confirmation, the participants filled out a specific questionnaire
about their physical activity level, record of disease and consent, these people were then selected as the sample
and were subjected to intervention. After ensuring public health and the general ability to perform the sport
protocol, the subjects attended the laboratory a week before performing the original protocol in order to get
familiar with the exercise protocol. The University of Guilan ethics committee approved the study.
Instruments-Tests, Procedures & Research Design In this study, a counter-balanced study design was
used in which the subjects were randomly assigned for three consecutive weeks in three conditions including:
control, resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR), and resistance exercise with respiratory
restriction using a mask. Each week, the groups changed their roles in order to experience all three
conditions. Between the three exercises of the blood flow restriction group, with systemic hypoxia and control,
one week was discontinued to eliminate the metabolic and hormonal effects of the first training. The main
exercise protocol we had for all three groups was the implementation of four sets of the squat, which included,
a set of 20 repetitions with 30 seconds of rest between sets with 10% to 30% of peak maximum power and
three sets with 15 repetitions and 30 seconds of rest between the sets, totaling 65 repetitions (Takashi Abe,
Kearns, & Sato, 2006; Kraemer & Ratamess, 2005). Since the pressure on the area should exceed the
systolic pressure of the same area, the pressure used was 1.3 times more than the systolic pressure for the
legs. Therefore, the systolic pressure prescribed for the legs is about 160 to 200 mmHg. However, during the
whole exercise, blood flow was limited, even at resting intervals between sets. The intensity of the resistance
used by the subjects was 30% of their 1RM. To equalize the time for resistance exercise, for all subjects, the
contraction period was recorded by a chronometer. Each contraction lasted 4 seconds, that includes 2
seconds down and 2 seconds up (Abe, Hinata, Koizumi & Sato, 2005; Reeves et al., 2006). In addition, we
created a systemic hypoxia condition with a training mask that was on the examiner's face during the entire
training stage (warming up, training) (Etheridge et al., 2011). Subjects were asked not to take caffeine at least
24 hours before the main activity. In addition, the use of high-fat foods was also restricted, and participants
were asked not to take food or liquids other than water for two hours before the start of each test session. All
practice sessions took place in the evening (between 5 to 7 or 4 to 6 pm), and at least 4 hours after the lunch
time for subjects (Reeves et al., 2006). In each session, the subjects warmed up for 10 minutes with
stretching movements. Moreover, to monitor the intensity of exercise, the Borg scale of perceived exertion
was used.
According to the research objectives, blood sampling was collected in two stages. 5 mm of sample of venous
blood was taken from the antecubital vein of the subjects in a sitting position at each time before the
workout and immediately after completion of the training. In order to avoid blood clotting, the samples were
transferred heparinized collection tubes (F.L. Medical, Padova, Italy). To separate plasma, the sample was
centrifuged at 3000 RPM for 5 minutes, and stored at -20 degree Celsius until the end of the process. Lactate
was measured with a Mindray BS-380 Chemistry Analyzer, (Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co, Shenzhen,
China) using a Greiner Kit (Greiner Diagnostic GmbH, Bahlingen, Germany) which has a sensitivity of 0.1
milligram per deciliter. Growth hormone was measured with a Roche kit and Electrochemiluminescence
(ECL). Body weight with minimum coverage and without shoes was measured by a calibrated lab scale
(CAMRY 9015), and height without shoes was measured by a height gauge while standing next to the wall.
BMI was calculated using the formula (weight in Kg, divided by height in m2). To calculate waist-to-hip ratio
(WHR), the perimeter of waist in its most slender part and hip in its widest part was measured. WHR was
obtained by dividing these two measurements. Fat percentage and fat-free masses for the subjects’ body was

measured by a Inbody 270 body composition analyzer (InBody, Co., Seoul, South Korea). To understand the
blood pressure of subjects, a mercury pressure meter (Alpikado V-300) was used.
Statistical Analysis The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. In order to determine the normal
distribution of data, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used and to determine the response of lactate and GH, a two-
way analysis of variance with repeated measures (2 * 3) was used. The level of α was 0.05 in all statistical
analyses.
RESULTS
Values were expressed as mean and standard error (SEM). The sample characteristics are described in Table
1. Fig. 1 shows the values assigned to the blood lactate; Fig. 2 shows the results of growth hormone. All
exercise sessions presented higher values for blood lactate and growth hormone (P<0.05) in comparison with
resting position.
Table 1 Sample characteristics* ( N = 8 )

Age (years) 26.87±4.7
Height (cm) 174.5± 9
Weight (kg) 77.50±1.4
Body mass index (kg/m2) 25.26±2.49
Body fat (Percent) 19.84±3.17
Fat free mass (kg) 62.52±7.76
Resting systolic blood pressure 118.1±7.52
Resting diastolic blood pressure 71.25±6.4
*Values are mean ± SEM
4.5
4
Blood Lactate (mmol/l)

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Training Mask BFR Traditional
Pre test 0.87 0.82 0.88
Post test 4 3.68 3.04
Figure 1 Measurement of blood lactate. No significant difference was seen between groups (p=0.140, F=2.274).
However, significant difference was seen intragroup for pre & post-test in all three groups (in traditional/ control
group p=0.001, F=93.526, in BFR, p=0.002, F=22.584 and in respiratory restriction, p=0.001, F=85.071).
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
GH (ng/dl)
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
TRAINING
BFR Traditional
MASK
Pre test 0.05 0.117 0.069
Post test 0.149 0.386 0.363
Figure 2 Measurement of growth hormone. No significant difference between groups was seen (p=0.098,
F=2.751). But significant difference for pre & post-test in all three groups was observed (in traditional/ control
group, p=0.024, F=8.209, in BFR, p=0.047, F=5.805 and in respiratory restriction group, p=0.042, F=6/155).

DISCUSSION
The results of this study showed that the implementation of resistance activity with different training methods
significantly increased the level of lactate and growth hormone levels of collegiate wrestlers compared to pre-
exercise levels. Blood lactate and GH hormone levels were not significantly increased during exercise with
limited blood flow and respiration compared with the other group (control). Perhaps the difference between
groups would be less if the duration of the activity session was increased by adding more exercises or exercising
more intensely, because it requires higher levels of exercise intensity to have an effective GH activity (Kraemer
& Ratamess, 2005; Manini & Clark, 2009). In addition, the significant increase in lactate in the training groups
immediately after the activity was an important result of this study. Research has shown that resistance activity
is more dependent on anaerobic metabolism than aerobic metabolism which can be executed without limitation
of high intensity or with the limitation of low intensity. As a result, lactate is accumulated in the target muscle
tissue and leads to increased release of GH from the pituitary gland (Goto, Ishii, Kizuka, & Takamatsu, 2005).
The increase of the above variables (lactate and GH) has been observed due to high or low intensity resistance
with limited blood flow and respiration. In a study performed on 12 subjects lactate in the control group (knee
extension with 20% 1RM) did not change significantly after exercise compared to another group (knee extension
with equal intensity to closure of the cuff) (Takarada et al., 2000). The reason why lactate does not increase in
a group without blood flow restriction in this research can be attributed to the athletic subjects, the low intensity
of activity and the number of more sets. Furthermore, in a study with low intensity resistance training, there was
no significant increase in the blood flow restriction group immediately after activity in GH but there was a
significant increase only 10 minutes after activity without restriction (Takano et al., 2005). Findings of this study
did not match the results of the present study. But why GH has not increased in the group with limited blood
flow is possibly because of the low-intensity activity. In research by Suga et al, they studied intracellular
metabolism during low intensity exercises with restricted blood flow. The results showed that the decrease of
pH in the restriction group was more than the unrestricted group. They found that by exercising with a low
intensity with limited, metabolic stress in skeletal muscle would be significantly increased but overall, its size is
less than intense strength training (2009). In another study, based on intragroup changes, GH was significantly
increased in the restriction group, and an interesting point was that, not only was the GH in the unrestricted
group was not increased, but actually decreased (Leite, Reis, Colnezi, Souza, & Ferracini, 2015). To some
extent, the discrepancy in the findings of the Leite with the present results can be attributed to how the exercise
was performed the composition of the subjects, and the intensity of the training. The low number of sets (the
ratio of 2 to 4), the high number of movements per set (the ratio of 30 to 15), and the different subjects (soccer
boys) can be considered as a factor in the difference between the present research and that of Leite. Scott et
al (2014) studied the effect of resistance training in systemic hypoxia conditions on metabolic stress and
hormonal responses. They showed that resistance training in systemic hypoxia increased the level of lactate
and GH relative to normal conditions (Normoxia). This corresponded with the results in the present study. In
hypoxic conditions, the body's access to oxygen decreases; in this case the body increases anaerobic
metabolism which leads to an accumulation of lactate in the muscle and blood. This can be a stimulant for the
anterior pituitary to secrete GH. The results in the present study justify the use of a training mask. According to
previous studies the low-intensity resistance exercise increases muscle mass and as a consequence strength
increases. Research has found that hypoxia promotes the secretion of anabolic hormones in bodybuilders. In a
study, eight men participated in two experimental groups (low intensity resistance training in normoxia and low
intensity resistance exercises in hypoxia conditions). Lactate and GH increased in both groups, but in the
second group it was significantly more than the first group. These results indicate that low intensity resistance
activity in hypoxic conditions increases the metabolic and hormonal responses to the normobaric conditions. A
study showed that lactate and GH can significantly increase in high intensity exercises and in hypoxia conditions
(Kon, Ikeda, Homma, & Suzuki, 2012). However, these findings suggest that severe hypoxia can be an
important factor in increasing GH in response to exercises at high speeds (Kon, Nakagaki, Ebi, Nishiyama, &
Russell, 2015). Our findings also showed that low-intensity activity in hypoxia (local and systemic) leads to
significant increases in lactate and GH.
Resistance exercises with restricted blood flow and respiration increase metabolic stress and hormonal
response. Also, in most studies the effects of exercises with BFR have been reported more than systemic
hypoxia. Some studies have also shown that systemic hypoxia conditions have similar responses BFR in young
adult athletes. However, it is still uncertain which one of the exercises could be more effective in promoting
sports goals. Therefore, it is suggested that in future studies, comparisons between resistance, speed and
endurance exercises with and without restriction of blood flow and respiration and their metabolic and hormonal
changes should be investigated.

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VITAMIN D LEVEL AMONG ELITE WRESTLERS IN UZBEKISTAN
Jamshid Umarov1, Fikrat Kerimov1, Abdurakhim Toychiev2*, Svetlana Osipova2
1Uzbek State University of Physical Education and Sport, Tashkent, Uzbekistan;
2Research Institute of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
abdurahim1988@gmail.com
Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of the study is to determine vitamin D (VD) levels and acute upper respiratory tract
infections (URI) morbidity among elite wrestlers in Uzbekistan as well as possible association with overtraining
syndrome (OS). Methods. Study participants included 40 elite wrestlers and 60 control individuals. Serum levels
of 25(OH) VD and TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-4 were detected by ELISA technique. Frequency of URI was detected
as well as parasitic infections. OS was diagnosed on the basis of typical symptoms and decreased performance.
Results. Predominance of VD insufficiency was found in both groups of elite athletes and in the control
individuals. Prevalence of VD deficiency/insufficiency depends on the season, but in every season the highest
values were observed among athletes. The highest level of TNF-α and the lowest of IFN-γ were observed in
athletes with VD deficiency. Changes in the level of IL-4 were less expressed. Frequency of episodes of URI
depends on VD level and the most number was detected in wrestlers with VD deficiency in winter-spring. OS
was diagnosed in wrestlers free of infections, including parasitic ones, but with VD deficiency. Conclusion. VD
deficiency/insufficiency is widely spread both in elite wrestlers and population in Uzbekistan. Monitoring of VD
level in elite athletes with subsequent correction is necessary. VD deficiency/insufficiency in athletes correlates
with high morbidity with URI and could be associated with OS.
Keywords: vitamin D, elite wrestlers, cytokines, respiratory infections
INTRODUCTION
Athletes are at risk for injuries and their prevention and rehabilitation are aspects of great importance. Upper
respiratory acute infections (URI) are the most common reason for non-injury-related presentation to a sports
medicine clinic, accounting for 35-65% of illness presentations. URI can have a negative impact on the health
and performance of athletes undertaking high levels of strenuous exercise. The cause of upper respiratory
symptoms in athletes can be uncertain, but the majority of cases are related to common respiratory viruses,
viral reactivation, allergic responses to aeroallergens and exercise-related trauma to the integrity of respiratory
epithelial membranes. Bacterial respiratory infections are less common in athletes (Gleeson & Pyne, 2016).
Elite athletes are at a greater risk for injuries and URI; during the Olympic Games in 2016 (Rio de Janeiro),
medical staff reported 9,8% injuries and 5,4% illnesses. Of the illnesses, 47% affected the respiratory system
and 21% the gastrointestinal system (Smith, 2000). Another important problem in sport is overtraining syndrome
(OS). Etiology of OS remains unclear and the term “unexplained underperformance syndrome” adopted in UK
(Lewis, 2015) seems to be more justified, because it emphasizes the complexity of the syndrome and its
multifactorial etiology.
Above mentioned problems are connected or could be connected with vitamin D (VD) deficiency/insufficiency,
which is widespread throughout the world, including countries subtropical and tropical countries (Cashman et
al., 2016; Chauhan & Bhimji, 2017; Dhibar et al., 2018). VD deficiency is common in athletes. For athletes
presenting with stress fractures, musculoskeletal pain, and frequent illness, one should have a heightened
awareness of the additional likely diagnosis of VD deficiency. Correction of the deficiency is completed by
standardized and supervised oral supplementation protocols producing significant musculoskeletal sports
health benefits (Shuler et al., 2012). VD influences the musculoskeletal health and mineral homeostasis. A
serum level ≥ 30 ng/ml provides sufficient mineralization of non-mineralized bone matrix and positively correlated
with an accelerated regeneration of muscular force. Levels above 40 ng/ml provided a protective effect on the
development of stress fractures. Levels above 50 ng/ml are required for athletes to achieve maximal physical
performance (Butscheidt et al., 2017).
VD deficiency/insufficiency correlated with a high frequency and severe course of URI (Owens et al. 2018). VD
supplementation is considered as a safe and inexpensive method for URI prevention (Zitterman et al., 2016;
Martineau et al., 2017). This effect can be due to the capacity of VD to increase expression of antimicrobial
proteins, in particular cathelicidin in macrophages (Chesdachi et al., 2016).
Evaluation of the VD deficiency/insufficiency prevalence among athletes as well as among population has not
been carried out in Uzbekistan previously. The purpose of the study is to determine vitamin D levels and upper
respiratory tract infections (URTI) morbidity among elite wrestlers in Uzbekistan as well as the possible
association with OS.

METHODS
The prospective diagnostic study was conducted on the basis of the Uzbek State University of Physical
Education and Sport and Research Institute of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Tashkent,
Uzbekistan during the period from January 2017 till January 2018.
Study participants included 40 elite athletes engaged in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling (all males) at the
age of 19-24 years. The control group (n=60) for comparison of VD and cytokines level included healthy
individuals of the same sex and age without expressed manifestations of diseases. All the participants were
residents of Uzbekistan. Participants were required to complete a comprehensive health screening
questionnaire and medical examination prior to starting the study. Participants could be included if they were
currently healthy (with no health problems or infection symptoms within the previous two weeks), engaged in
regular sports training at least six months and at least 3 h of total moderate/high-intensity training time per week.
Immunological tests. Participants were required to abstain from any strenuous physical activity for 24 h before
coming to the laboratory. Five milliliters of peripheral venous blood was taken (after 8-12 hours of fasting) from
each participant and were collected into Human Tube Serum Gel – C/A for ELISA. All blood samples were
collected in August and January. Serum levels of 25(OH) VD and TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-4 were detected by
ELISA technique using a DIAsource kit, Belgium and LLC kit, Vector-Best, Novosibirsk, Russia respectively.
Classification of the level of VD. Serum VD level was classified as reported by Holick et al., (2011). Levels of
VD ≤20, 21–29, ≥30–150, and >150 ng/ml were considered as VD deficiency, VD insufficiency, VD sufficiency
and VD intoxication, respectively. The performers of immunological tests did not have access to any
information about an individual under examination. All information was blinded.
Parasitological analysis. Previously, authors (Kerimov et al., 2014) examining junior wresters showed that
intestinal parasites can imitate OS due to the rather high frequency of astenoneurotic syndrome manifesting by
the symptoms typical for OS: irritability, mood swings, increased fatigability, performance decrement, sleep
disturbances anorexia, etc. All the athletes were examined for intestinal parasites by triple coproscopy, stool
samples were taken with 1-3 days interval.
Statistical analysis. Data analysis was performed with the program Origin 6.1 (OriginLab, Northampton, MA).
Results are expressed as mean±standard error (SEM) for continuous variables and number (percentage) for
categorical data. For numerical variables the independent/paired t test were used. The P value <0.05 was
considered as statistically significant.
RESULTS
Table 1 demonstrates that in both groups vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was prevalent. Frequency of VD
deficiency was higher in both groups in winter. The number of individuals with VD sufficiency was higher in
control group, but even in summer this index amounted to only 30%, in spite of the abundance of sunny days
in the year (>300 days a year), dropping to 10% in winter.
Table 1. The level of serum 25(OH) VD in wrestlers (n=40) and the control individuals (n=60) in August and
January
25(OH) VD level The percentage of participants with VD sufficiency/insufficiency/deficiency
frequency and (%)
in blood serum
Wrestlers Control individuals (n=60)
(n=40)
August January August. January.
Sufficiency (>30 ng/ml) 4 (10) Abs 18 (30) 6(10)
Insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml) 32 (80) 28 (70) 36 (60) 42 (70).
Deficiency (<20 ng/ml) 4 (10) 12 (30) 6 (10) 12 (20)
Table 2 shows a significant elevation of TNF-α in the athletes with VD deficiency, which is a biomarker of
inflammation. These data are in agreement with data of Willis et al. (2012) on correlation of VD insufficiency
with elevated level of TNF-α. Pathophysiology of the OS has not been determined yet. Cytokine hypothesis
seems to be close to reality, because the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and TNF-α affect the brain, causing
a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbance and depression, cytokines can act directly on the central receptors or
activate the axis hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal glands, releasing stress hormones, which leads to the same

effect (Shuler et al. 2012). There is evidence of an increase in the level of these cytokines in patients with
depression (Smith, 2000). Thus, VD deficiency can impose OS manifestation.
Changes in the level of proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and anti-inflammatory IL-4 were less expressed, but
there was a tendency to decrease in INF-γ concentration. Thus, the dynamics of the cytokines level in
deficiency/insufficiency and sufficiency of VD indicates the effect of VD on the immune system. In particular,
reduction of IFN-γ increases susceptibility to URI. The number of athletes with VD sufficiency was too small,
but it is obvious that IFN-γ level is lower than that in healthy individuals, apparently due to significant physical
load.
Тable 2. The level of serum cytokines in elite wrestlers with various level of serum VD
Cohort under study TNF-α IFN-γ IL-4
pg/ml pg/ml pg/ml
Athletes with VD deficiency (n=5) 31±11.9* 5.9±2.9* 4.3±1.8
Athletes with VD insufficiency (n=10) 22±7.1* 8.1±3.2* 5.1±2.2
Athletes with VD sufficiency (n=3) 9±15 10±18 2±4

Control individuals (n=12) 4.1±2.7 17.9±3.1 3.5±1.9
*- significant difference with the control individuals (P<0.05)
Table 3 shows the frequency of URI during summer-autumn and winter-spring periods among athletes and
the control individuals. In both groups, URI were observed more frequently in winter-spring period. However,
more than 5 episodes of URI were detected only in elite athletes in winter-spring. 3-4 episodes of URTI
regardless of the season were significantly more frequently detected in wrestlers in comparison with the
control individuals (P≤0.05). Absence of URI was observed in very low percentage of elite athletes versus the
control individuals. It can be explained by several factors, including suppression pf immune system associated
with lower VD level and intensive physical load.
Table 3. The frequency of URI during summer-autumn and winter-spring periods among athletes and the
control individuals
The frequency of URI among participants (%) during summer-autumn and
winter-spring periods frequency and (%)
The number of
episodes of URI Wrestlers (n=40) Control individuals (n=60)
summer-autumn winter-spring summer-autumn winter-spring
Absence of URI 15 (37.5) - 55 (91.6) 24 (41.1)
≤2 episodes 25 (62.5) 5 (12.5) 5 (8.3) 20 (33.3)
3-4 episodes - 34 (85) 6 (16.6)
≥5 episodes - 1 (2.5)
*- significant difference with the control group (P<0.05)
Efficiency of the training process must be ensured by an adequate balance of training load and recovery. OS
can be developed through excessive muscle loading and additional stresses. It includes absence of sport
enthusiasm, mood swings, problems with concentration, sleep disturbances, increased fatigability, anorexia,
reduced performance, increased morbidity, injury frequency etc. (Kreher et al., 2012). The study was performed
in January. These symptoms were identified 14 wrestlers. They were examined for infections, including intestinal
parasites. Intestinal parasites were found in 8 athletes and after treatment and elimination of parasites
symptoms typical for OS disappeared in 6 athletes without any changes in training conditions. VD deficiency
was revealed in remaining wrestlers, VD insufficiency was diagnosed in one athlete. We assume that OS can
be connected with VD deficiency/insufficiency. This assumption is supported by Sedaghat et al. (2018) who
established in experiments on animals subjected to chronic stress that VD (1,25-(OH)2VD3) improved the
condition of animals, eliminating the main symptoms of stress, which can be interpreted as an indication the
role of VD in the OS development.

CONCLUSIONS
VD deficiency/insufficiency is widely spread both in elite wrestlers and population in Uzbekistan. Monitoring of
VD level in elite athletes with subsequent correction is necessary. VD deficiency/insufficiency in athletes
correlates with high morbidity with URI. VD deficiency/insufficiency could be associated with OS.
Disclosure of interest
The authors report no conflict of interest. The project was supported by a research grant from the Ministry of
Innovational Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Ethics approval
The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of
Uzbekistan in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants were fully informed about the
rationale for the study. Both informed and written consents were obtained from athletes and the control
individuals.
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THE PHENOMENON OF THE WORLD NOMAD GAMES
Kanat U. Mambetaliev
Kyrgyz State Sports Academy, Kyrgyz Republic
kanat.zsmvb@bk.ru
АBSTRACT
The phenomenon of the World Nomad Games is addressed through the study of the mission, as well as the
fundamental principles of the Games. The sources and prerequisites for organizing the Games, their
interrelation with other ethnic sports games and the phenomenon of the Nomad Games have been established.
The research results can be recommended for the organization of other ethnic sports games.
KEY WORDS: World Nomad Games, historical heritage.
INTRODUCTION
The peculiarities and uniqueness of the First and Second World Nomad Games (WNG) considered earlier by
the author, supported by the factual material of the Games (Mambetaliev, 2017), and reinforced the conviction
that the World Nomad Games are becoming a traditional international sports and cultural phenomenon. And it
was previously noted that the Games caused international resonance, today there are grounds for saying that
the Games are recognized by international institutions (Secretariat, 2016; OPEC Bulletin, 2016).
In accordance with which, the question arises as to what the WNG phenomenon is, after all, it is a part of the
history of dozens of other ethno-sportive games. Among these are the games of Naadam in Mongolia, games
of minorities in China, and games of ethnic and regions of the Russian Federation and the Americas. At the
same time, the organizers of the ethnosport Games determine their uniqueness by the contribution they make
to the ethnocultural diversity of the world, to the revival and preservation of the ethnoculture of one or another
ethnos or group of ethnic groups [ 6, 7, 9, 10 s. 26].
Along with this, the Games, along with common features, also have a unique character, which is of particular
research interest. Since the knowledge of the phenomenon and uniqueness of the Games contributes not only
to the preservation of historical cultural heritage, but also allows you to spread the experience of development
and awareness of these values in modern conditions.
The scientific novelty of the work is determined by the new knowledge obtained about the laws of formation and
organization, the phenomenon and the uniqueness of the World Nomad Games. The practical significance of
the research is determined by the fact that the research results contribute to the determination of the future
directions of the Games development and the dissemination of historical experience in the organization of other
ethno-sports Games. In addition, they can be used in the process of training specialists in physical culture and
sports: scientists and researchers, managers, trainers, and teachers of physical education. The purpose of the
study was to determine the phenomenon and uniqueness of the WNG based on the study of philosophy and
mission, organizational principles and content of the Games.
METHODS
The WNG were approached at the cognitive level: analysis of literary sources; historical and comparative
analysis, which were used on the basis of historical, logical and systemic approaches.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The philosophy of the WNG is that each ethnic group has the right to preserve its own, unique cultural and
historical heritage is fully characteristic of other ethnic sports games. The philosophy of the Games is also
consonant with their mission, which is aimed at preserving the ethnoculture of the peoples of the world, through
the revival, preservation and development of the species of ethnosport.
Thus, the WNG mission, in contrast to other Games, is not limited to the types of ethnosport. It is also important
that the WNG are not limited to only the types of ethnic Kyrgyz games. While the missions of such ethnosport
games of modern times, such as the Games of the Indigenous Peoples of America (Indigenous Games of North
America, 2013; Indigenous Games of South America, 2017) the National Holiday Naadam in Mongolia
(Nadaam Games, 2010), the Yordynian Games of the People of Eurasia held in the Irkutsk region, Russia
(Yordynian games, 2017), the Atmanov Games in Atmanov Ugol, in the Tambov Region of Russia
(Geodakyan, 2018), the Festival of Turkish National Wrestling (Turkmen, Demirhan, Gebi & Turkmen, 2014)
and others that are limited to national-country or regional types of ethnosport and motor culture.

It should be understood that the phenomenon and uniqueness of the WNG mission does not diminish the merits
of other ethno-sports Games. Moreover, according to K. Mambetaliev, the mission of these Games deserves
high praise (Stolbova, 1999). So for 800 years, the Naadam Games have retained the original distinction of
wrestling, horse racing and archery of the Mongolian people of the era of the empire of Genghis Khan. The
process of preserving the cultural and historical heritage is continued in the process of its development in
modern conditions.
The WNG mission is reflected in the geography and the WNS ethno-sports program. There were 583 athletes
from 19 countries who took part in the first Games, then 1200 athletes from 62 countries took part in the second
games, and 2,000 athletes from 82 countries that took part in the third games.
The mission of WNG is reflected in the formation of such a feature of internationality, which is clearly manifested
in the content of the sporting program. So at the first Games from 10 kinds of sports, 9 were Kyrgyz, then at the
second of 20 kinds of sports 7 were represented by other countries. In addition, in archery competitions,
participants were allowed to use traditional bows and arrows. In the 3rd Games, of 37 sports, less than half (17)
are represented by Kyrgyz types of ethnosport.
The manifestation of the principle of integration or internationality in an organization within the framework of the
conventionally called “festival of types of ethno-struggle” is of interest. competition in the nomination "The great
struggle of the nomads." The essence of which lies in the fact that the winners in 13 national types of wrestling,
as well as others who wished, defined the Great Fighter among the Great in the nomination “The Great Fight of
the Nomads.”
The phenomenon of WNG is also determined by the principle of the unity of the ethno-sports and ethnocultural
programs. The idea proposed by one of the initiators of the Games, A. Akibaev (2010), in tune with the historical
tradition of the organization of the Games. In accordance with this tradition, physical exercise occupied a special
place during the national holidays and festivals, reflected in the ancient systems of physical education (Stolbova,
1999; Kuhn, 1982). To some extent, this unity can be considered a prerequisite for the formation of the principle
of comprehensiveness of modern systems of physical education justified by F.P. Lesgaft (Lesgaft, n.d.).
The principle of unity of ethnosport and ethnocultural programs had a dual reflection in the philosophy and
organization of the Games. Firstly, the sports program involved the widespread introduction of traditional rituals
before competitions, the elements of “ethnicity” in sports uniforms, entering the sports arena, sports equipment
and equipment, and the award ceremony, which to some extent is characteristic of other ethnic sports games.
Secondly, the organization of the ethnocultural program of the Games was not limited to the ceremonial opening
and closing ceremonies of the Games, but had such components as the cultural and ethnographic program
“Nomad Universe” as part of the 2nd WNG, and the “Golden Nomad Era” during the 3rd WNG, the Nomad Fest
program, as well as other activities carried out before and after the WNG.
The programs “Nomad Universe”, “Golden era of the nomad” represent the renaissance of the historical and
cultural symbiosis of nomadic and ethnic culture, representing the harmonious unity of equestrian
performances, folk dances and songs, the sacredness of the “Epic of Manas” and the wisdom of King Solomon
realized in the picturesque Krychyn valley. There were thousands of nomadic yurts, complemented by the
wigwams of American Indians and Bedouin tents. In the interpretation of the modern theory of physical culture
was represented with many examples.
In these programs, one of the central places was occupied by the Kyrgyz version of the traditional hunting of
the Salbuurun nomads, a triathlon consisting of hunting with dogs, birds of prey and horseback shooting with
the traditional bow. Of the 37 sports in the 3rd WNG, there were 17 that represent a form of wrestling, 12 done
on horseback and 5 using a style of archery. There are some combinations, such as wrestling from horseback
and horseback archery.
It is important that representatives of Turkey, Mongolia, Russia, Georgia, the United Arab Emirates, Hungary
and other countries took part in these competitions at the 3rd WNG. Tourists and spectators had the opportunity
to take part in the simplest national outdoor games, which made it possible to enhance the visual and emotional
perception of the Games and to get in touch with the amazing world of ancient culture.
The third feature that determines the uniqueness of the Games are the events of the ethnocultural program,
which were held before and after the Games. These events were aimed at developing among the citizens of the
country a sense of involvement in the Games, and awareness of their sociocultural significance.

Finally, the phenomenon of the Games is also determined by the scientific program. The program is aimed at
the scientific substantiation of the Games, the establishment of patterns of formation, flourishing and decline of
a nomadic civilization and other aspects. In the 3rd Games, it was represented by 50 scientific events: quizzes,
student olympiads, scientific conferences and symposia of scientists and researchers. The Games were a
central theme in the 61st International Altaistic Conference, in which 160 scientists from 20 countries of the
world took part. Popular Games in the Altaic World and Related Customs and Traditions held in Bishkek. The
61st Annual Meeting was jointly hosted by the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, the
“Muras” Foundation for the Historical and Cultural Heritage of the People of Kyrgyzstan under the Office of the
President of the Kyrgyz Republic and The Kyrgyz State University, Bishkek, 26 – 31 August 2018.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Initially, the phenomenon or uniqueness of the Games consists in the revival, preservation and
development of the cultural and historical heritage of human civilization in the format of ethnosport
species and other elements of the motor culture.
2. The uniqueness of the WNG is determined by the mission of the Games, which is not limited to national
and country borders, and contributes to the preservation of the ethnocultural heritage of the peoples of
the world participating in the Games.
3. The principle of integration or the international principle of formation ethnosport programs. This principle
ensured the participation in the 3rd WNG 1,500 athletes from 74 countries of the world who competed
in 37 types of sports.
4. The uniqueness of the Games was determined by the principle of the unity of the ethnosport and
ethnocultural programs. The latter was not limited to the solemn opening and closing ceremonies of the
Games, and included ethnocultural programs that are organized both within the framework of the
Games and before and after the Games.
5. The phenomenon of the Games program, which included in the sowing various forms of scientific events
and aimed at scientific justification of the WNG, can be attributed to the phenomenon of the Games.
Practical recommendations: The success and appreciation given to the WNG by the international
community, allows us to recommend a unique experience obtained during their conduct for the
organizers of other ethnic sports games.
REFERENCES
Akibaev A. (2010). Материалы республиканских научных конференции. [About the organization of the
World Games of Nomads-State and prospects of development of national sports. Materials of republican
scientific conferences. Bishkek. 9-11.
Geodakyan, A. (2018, August 27). Put up your dukes: Traditional folk games unleash Russia’s competitive
spirit. Retrieved on 10.09.2018 at http://tass.com/society/1018756
Indigenous Games of South America (2013). [Игры коренных народов Южной Америки.] Retrieved
06.09.2017. https://ekabu.ru/atw/76531-XII-igry-korennyh-narodov-yuzhnoy-ameriki.html
Indigenous Games of North America. (2017, February 26). Игры коренных народов Северной Америки.
[Электронный ресурс]. http://www.russianweek.ca/news/sport/igry-korennyh-narodov-severnoj-ameriki/
Naadam Games (2010, November 10). [Игры Наадам]. Retrieved 06.09. 2017 http://travelinca.ru/mongolia-
naadam/
Kuhn, L. (1982). The General History of Physical Culture and Sports. Translation from Hungarian by N. N.
Aboimova. Edited by V.V. Stolbova. Moscow: Rainbow Raduga.
Lesgaft and physical education in Russia. (n.d.) [П. Ф. Лесгафт и физическое воспитание в России]
Retrieved12.09.2017 http://journal-shkolniku.ru/lesgaft.html
Mambetaliev, K.U. (2017). Уникальность Всемирных игр кочевников. Исторические, философские,
политические и юридические науки, культурология и искусствоведение [The uniqueness of the World
Games nomads. Historical, philosophical, political and legal sciences, cultural studies and art history].
Questions of theory and practice. № 12 (86). Part 2. 127-129.
OPEC Bulletin. (2016) Opec Members Countries participate in Worid Nomad Games.11/12.2016. 16-17, 94-
95.
Secretariat WNG. (2016, November). Итоги II Вторых Всемирных игр кочевников. [Results of the Second
Second World Nomad Games.] Secretariat WNG. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 1-46.
Stolbova, V.V. (Ed.). (1999). История физической культуры и спорта: Учебник. [The history of physical
culture and sports]. Moscow: FiS.
Turkmen, M., Demirhan, B., Gebi, M., Turkmen, L. (2014). Civilization of nomads: epic works and national
sports. Proceedings of the International Scientific Practical Conference. Bulan-Sogot, Kyrgyz Republic.
September 6-9, 2014. 40-48.
Yordynian games 2017 (2017). [Ёрдынские игры] Retrieved on 05.09.2017 from http://erdy.ru/program-vi-
international-ethnocultural-festival-“y

DORSIFLEXOR MUSCLE OXYGENATION DURING ISOMETRIC
CONTRACTION
Adkham Paiziev
Uzbekistan State University of Physical Culture (USUPC), Uzbekistan
adkhampaiziev@gmail.com
Abstract: Sustained isometric contractions of skeletal muscles produce intramuscular pressures that leads to
blood flow restriction. In result an active muscle sustains deficit of oxygen and muscle fatigue. On another side
during exercise we have physiological contradiction between raising of oxygen demand by working muscle
and restriction of blood flow due to vessel pressing. To clarify this issue much research has been performed
based mainly on measurement of blood flow in muscle tissue. The purpose of this study was to assess real-
time changes in muscle oxygenation during a sustained isometric contractions of the dorsiflexor muscle with
low (30%), moderate (60%) and submaximal (90%) intensity. Experiments were conducted using the subject’s
dominant leg. Volunteers was recruited from eight male students of USIPC (age: 19±2 years, weight: 75±6 kg).
Tissue oxygenation index (StO2) were recorded from the tibialis anterior using Near-infrared spectroscopy
(NIRS) device (Nonin Medical Inc, Plymouth, Minnesota, USA). Saturation was higher at 30% compared with
both 60% and 90% MVC at all time points after the start of exercise and higher at 60% than 90%. Oxygen
consumption (VO2) permanently increased from slow (30%) to moderate (60%) and submaximal contractions.
After cessation of the each contraction there was a large and immediate hyperemic response. Rate of StO2
increase after effort cessation reflects the resaturation of hemoglobin which depend on integrity and functionality
of the vascular system and reflects blood vessel vasodilation. StO2 resaturation rate permanently increased
from slow (30%) to moderate (60%) and submaximal contractions. At last in final stage of the experiment arterial
occlusion test was performed to determine the minimal oxygen saturation value in the dorsiflexors. Oxygen
saturation reached 24±1.77% and was significantly higher then StO2 after 60 and 90% MVC.
It can be concluded that oxygen saturations at 60% and 90% MVC are similar and sharply decreased after
the start of exercise. It means that after a 60% MVC takes place, there is an occlusion of blood vessels due
to intramuscular pressure. Oxygen consumption of active muscle increased depending on the intensity of
exertion according to increasing of oxygen demand. StO2 resaturation rate (RE) permanently increased from
slow (30%) to moderate (60%) and to submaximal contractions. The RE increase after exercise cessation
reflects the resaturation of hemoglobin, which depends on the integrity and functionality of the vascular system
and reflects blood vessel vasodilation.
Key words: Oxygenation, skeletal muscle, isometric exercise, tissue oximeter
INTRODUCTION
Sustained isometric contractions (SIC) of skeletal muscles produce intramuscular pressures (IMP) that leads to
muscle blood flow (MBF) restriction and limit its delivery to tissue (Degens, Salmons & Jarvis,1998). MBF plays
a key role to regulate intensity and the type of muscle contractions (Saltin, Radegran, Koskolou & Roach, 1998),
but SIC has a considerable impact on MBF, and as a result an active muscle experiences a deficit in oxygen
and nutrients which leads to muscle fatigue. On the other hand, during exercise we have a physiological
contradiction between the rising oxygen demand by working muscle and blood vessel pressure due to IMP
during sustained isometric muscle contraction. To clarify this issue, much research has been performed based
mainly on measurement of blood flow in muscle tissue (McNeil et al, 2015; Sjogaard, Savard & Juel, 1988;
Vollestad, Wesche & Sejersted, 1990; Wesche, 1986). But in a dynamic regime during exercise there are limited
measurements of MBF by using Doppler ultrasound. But it is important to note, that direct measurements of
hemodynamic response of working muscle possible by using fMRI and PET but it is not accessible especially
in field training setting (Hughson, Shoemaker, Tschakovsky, Kowalchuk, 1996).
Different methods indicate that complete occlusion of MBF during sustained muscle contractions take place at
50-60% of maximal voluntary contractions (MVC), but in some research the (McNeil et al, 2015; Sjogaard,
Savard & Juel, 1988; Wesche, 1986) blood flow was not occluded at the level of the conduit artery during any
of the contraction intensities. In some of published papers there was mention about insensitivity of blood flow
to the muscle contraction intensity. So, at present our understanding about hemodynamic response of skeletal
muscle to a wide range of muscle contraction (from low, moderate up to submaximal MVC) still remains limited.
Despite to advantages of above mentioned methods (fMRI, PET and Doppler ultrasound) only one paper in
part has been devoted to measure hemodynamic response of contractile muscles to SIC tissue (McNeil et al,
2015) by using NIRS (near infrared spectroscopy) technology. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a well
established optical technique that monitors changes in the concentration of the chromophores oxyhemoglobin

(O2Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), total hemoglobin and tissue oxygenation index (StO2) in a variety of tissues
(Wolf, Ferrari, & Quaresima, 2007; Hamaoka, McCully, Quaresima, Yamamoto & Chance, 2007) NIRS utilizes
the relative transparency of tissue to photons in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum (700-900nm), and the oxygen-
dependent absorption changes of these photons by hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb). NIRS instruments
allows one to use the Lambert-Beer law and software algorithms to derive chromophore concentrations from
raw optical data, and distinguish between oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin/myoglobin. The majority of commercially
available NIRS instruments are continuous wave (CW) spectrophotometers, and have proven reliability in the
measurement of changes in O2Hb and HHb. CW NIRS instruments have small size, particularly those with
telemetric capacity, and represent an important advance in sport science and exercise physiology studies. The
non-invasive nature of the transcutaneous NIRS interface, and the ability to monitor continuously even during
physical movement and active exercise provide an important means of measuring oxygenation and
hemodynamics in muscle tissue during exercise. The purpose of this study was to assess real-time changes in
muscle oxygenation during a sustained isometric contractions of dorsiflexor muscle during low, moderate and
submaximal intensity.
Materials and Methods

Subjects
The dorsiflexor muscle was selected for this experiment. Experiments were conducted using the subject’s
dominant (right) leg. Volunteers was recruited from eight male not trained students from the Uzbekistan State
University of Physical Culture (age: 19±2 years, weight: 75±6 kg).Information regarding the purpose and
potential risks about the experiment was given to the subjects. All participants were given adequate instructions
on the study, and the study was conducted with the approval of the institutional review board at the Uzbek State
Institute of Physical Culture in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Subjects were seated in a hand-made apparatus with
isometric torso-dynamometer (DC-200, Russia). Tissue oxygenation index (StO2) was recorded from the tibialis
anterior using a NIRS device (Nonin’s SenSmart™ Model X-100, USA). Sensor head were placed over the
belly of the tibialis anterior muscle. All subjects were right handed.
Protocol of experiment
Over one day male volunteers performed dorsiflexor contractions by using a handmade sitting apparatus, torso-
dynamometer and NIRS device. The subject was seated for 15-20 min prior to the test. The right leg rested on
a torso dynamometer with their ankle positioned at 30º in plantar flexion. The maximum voluntary contraction
(MVC) force of the subject was determined before the test and 30%, 60% and 90% MVC were calculated.
Protocol of experiment consisted of a pre-exercise stage (rest), and three successive stages of sustained
isometric contractions (30%, 60% and 90% MVC) each lasting 1 min and separated by a rest period lasting 3
min (see figure1). To determine the minimal oxygen saturation value in the dorsiflexors, oxygenation parameters
of the dorsiflexor muscle were measured at rest by using an arterial occlusion test (at the end of experiment
protocol). For this purpose a blood pressure cuff was placed around their right thigh to occlude blood flow to the
leg. Blood flow was occluded to the leg by inflating the cuff beyond 240 mmHg, and this occlusion was
maintained until oxygen saturation researched a stable minimum level (last step of experiment, see figure 1). In
this way, both venous outflow and arterial inflow are blocked and systemic circulatory changes are sufficiently
eliminated in the limb. Lacking the supply of well oxygenated blood, muscle metabolism fully depends on the
available O2 in local capillaries and muscle cells. Depletion of local available O2 stores during arterial occlusion
was monitored by NIRS, as a decrease in O2Hb and a concurrent increase in HHb while tHb remains constant.
A hyperaemic response can be observed after release of the arterial occlusion. Blood volume increases rapidly,
resulting in a fresh pool of O2Hb and a quick wash-out of HHb. Using the arterial occlusion method including
the recovery phase, it is possible to calculate O2 consumption, reoxygenation rate and the half-recovery times
of the signals (Gerovasili, et al, 2010).
Statistics
Differences in the StO2, desaturation rate (De) and resaturation rate (Re) between muscle contraction intensities
were analyzed by the Student’s t-test in the statistical software package “Statistica” for Windows (version 13).
Differences of P < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. All data are presented as mean ± SD.
Results and discussion

Maximal force was 18N at the onset of the 100% MVC contraction. Calculated contraction intensities (F) for 30,
60 and 90% MVC shown in table1. Efforts of 30 ,60% and 90% MVC were held constant throughout exercise.

Figure 1. Protocol of experiment diagram (top) and real time tissue oxygenation (StO2) (bottom)
The recovery baseline (BL) is the stable StO2 value that occurs during the rest period following test time. The
recovery baseline is determined after muscle contractions which will usually result in an increased StO2 value
owing to increased physiological function. Here we can distinguish different level of baseline recovery before
and after each step of efforts. BL1 does not change after the warm-up step (30%MVC) (about 73% StO2) but
after moderate and submaximal contractions there are raised value of BL2 plateau (78%). The Performance
Baseline is the minimum StO2 value reached during a exercise. The performance baseline of oxygen saturation
during 30% MVC have values about 30%, but after moderate and submaximal contraction reached minimal
levels (20%) (see table 1).
Table 1. Muscle tissue oxygenation parameters during different levels of continuous isometric contractions and
arterial occlusion test (AO). BL- baseline level of StO2, De-desaturation rate during exersice and AO, Re-
resaturation rate of StO2 after cesation of efforts and AO, ∆StO2-difference between recovery and performance
baseline level of StO2.
MVC 30% 60% 90% AO

F,(N) 5.4 10.8 16.2
BL, (%) 73.16±0.29 73±0.87 78.66±3.17 77.75±3.46
De, (%/sec) -1.06±0.09 -4.19±0.16 -4.80±0.16 -0.23±0.03
Re, (%/sec) 0.84±0.19 1.54±0.25 2.65±1.44 2.5±0.08
∆StO2,( %) 18.83±4.62 38.5±9.24 44.51±5.14 24±1.77
The comparison of oxygen consumption under different sustained isometric contractions is shown in figure 2
with dorsiflexor muscle oxygen saturation at different levels of maximal efforts.

90
80
70
StO2,% 60
50
30%MVC
40
60%MVC
30
90%MVC
20
10
0
0 10 20 30 40
Time, sec
Figure 2. 1 Dorsiflexor muscle oxygen saturation during sustained isometric contractions under 30%, 60%
and 90% of MVC.
Saturation was higher at 30% compared with both 60 and 90% MVC at all time points after start exercise and
higher at 60 than 90% (figure 2). Oxygen consumption (De, see tab.1) permanently increased from slow (30%)
to moderate (60%) and submaximal contractions. Separate De trends are shown on fig. 3.
5
Deoxigenation (De) and
Reoxigenation (Re) rate
3
D De
Re
2 R Linear (De)
Linear (Re)
1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
-1
MVC,%
Figure 3. Deoxygenation and reoxygenation rate dependance on MVC
After cessation of the each contraction there was a large and immediate hyperemic response. This response
is shown in figure 3 for the three levels of MVC. Rate of StO2 increase after effort cessation reflects the
resaturation rate of hemoglobin which depends on the integrity and functionality of the vascular system and
reflects blood vessel vasodilation. StO2 resaturation rate permanently increased from slow (30%) to moderate
(60%) and submaximal contractions. (see table 1 and fig. 4).

100
90
80
70
60
StO2, %
50 30%MVC
40 60%MVC
30 90%MVC
20
10
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
Time, sec
Figure 4. Dorsiflexor muscle oxygen saturation during different levels of SIC, recovery and reactive hyperemia
phases.
During the final final stage of the experiment (see fig.1) an arterial occlusion test has been performed to
determine the minimal oxygen saturation value in the dorsiflexors. Oxygen saturation reached 24±1.77% which
is significantly higher then StO2 after 60 and 90%MVC (see table 1).
CONCLUSIONS
• The recovery baseline (BL) after exercise increased due to increased physiological state of muscle.
• The Performance Baseline is the minimum StO2 value reached during a exercise. Performance baseline
of oxygen saturation increased after moderate and submaximal efforts and achieved its plateau.
• Oxygen saturation at 60 and 90MVC are similar and sharply decreased after the start of exercise. It
means that after 60% MVC take place occlusion of blood vessels due to intramuscular pressure.
• Oxygen consumption of active muscle increased dependson intensity of exercise according to
increasing of oxygen demand.
• StO2 resaturation rate (Re) permanently increased from slow (30%) to moderate (60%) and in
submaximal contractions. Increasing Re after effort cessation reflects the resaturation of hemoglobin
which depends on the integrity and functionality of the vascular system and reflects blood vessel
vasodilation.
Acknowledgement
The authors express their gratitude to the Swiss National Science Foundation to support this work via grant no.
IZ74Z0_137423 (S-84301-05-01).
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anterior muscles during single and repetitive contractions. Eur. J Appl. Physiol. Occup. Physiol. 78: 13–
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occlusion technique with NIRS tECnology. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 40 (2010) 218–
222.
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spectroscopy/imaging for monitoring muscle oxygenation and oxidative metabolism in healthy and
diseased humans, J. Biomed. Opt. 12(6), 062105 1–12.
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on blood flow dynamics at onset of forearm exercise. J Appl. Physiol. 81: 1619–1626.
McNeil, C.J., Allen, M.D., Olympico, E., Shoemaker, J.,K., & Rice, C.L. (2015) Blood flow and muscle
oxygenation during low, moderate, and maximal sustained isometric contractions. Am. J Physiol. Regul.
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and muscle clinical applications, J. Biomed. Opt. 12(6), 062104.

A TRİBUTE TO DANİEL ROBİN (1943-2018)
savranbasi@yahoo.com
HE WAS A WRESTLING MAN AND A GENTLEMAN. HE WAS THE BARON OF WRESTLING
When I started my wrestling career in 1972, in order to learn about the famous wrestlers of Turkish and the
world, I read the writings of Ali Gümüş with incredible curiosity and pleasure. I read of the famous champion
wrestler of French, Daniel Robin. We finally met met face to face in 1985, during my tenure as national team
coach. Robin asked me, “Do you know that Bayram Şit embraced me with friendship?” I told him that I had a
good friendship with Bayram Şit (1952 Helsinki Olympic Games Champion) and that he was now a coach of the
national team. When I told Daniel that I was from Izmir City, Robin's friendship with me increased. He told me
about the 1971 Izmir Mediterranean Games and talked about the hospitality and, cooking sea bass and bream
with the people in the adjoining villages. For this reason, he stated that he had a very special place in his heart
for those games and Izmir, and he would never forgot those days. After this I met up with Robin at every
European and World Championships, and our friendship continued.
He said that he lived in France and Canada because of his work, so he missed Bayram and couldn't see him
for years. Each time we met he put both hands on my shoulders, in his Turkish special "Ramazan, I greet you
and give more greetings to Bayram and Izmir.”
When Bayram Şit heard that Daniel Robin was coming in 2006 as a FILA officer
to Antalya, Bayram Şit was there when he arrived to meet his former student. It
was really worth seeing the encounter between Bayram and his former student.
We were together for a week in Antalya and I had the opportunity to listen to
Bayram Şit-Daniel Robin stories from their mouths. But I would like to describe
a story that I like the most as a third person.
In 1964, Bayram Şit was transferred to France as a wrestling coach and started
to work. Approximately a month later, some Turkish newspaper reporters living
in Paris come for an interview. During the training, they took a photo, while they
jokingly asked Bayram, “Mr. Şit, Was there no other country in the world you
could choose? and you chose France? The French are not wrestlers!” This
frustrated Bayram, and later during a break in the training, he points to a tall
Robin, Savranbaşı & Şit
blonde, and says, “he will be a champion.”
The next day Robin goes to the Turkish Consulate and asks the officers in charge what does “olacak” mean?
They ask Robin, how did Bayram Şit use this word. Robin said “Şampiyon olacak.” The consulate officials
laughingly tell him, "you will be champion," Robin rejoices vey much, and asks the officers to translate one
French word into Turkish. The Turkish officer translates and writes it on a small paper. Daniel leaves the Turkish
consulate happily.
Daniel Robin never missed Bayram's workouts, and was the strictest follower of his courses and seminars
throughout France for two years. Şit after working for two years in France, returned to Turkey and started to
work with our national team again.
In 1967, during the New Delhi World Championship medal ceremony, Daniel Robin starts to run with the
championship gold medal around his neck and jumps quickly from the mat and comes to Bayram Şit shouting,
“oldum” (a Turkish word meaning „became”) and hugs his teacher and cries out the Turkish words learned at
the Turkish consulate for the first time there, by punching his chest repeatedly saying; "I became,".
When I meet Robin, sometimes, as he walks in the hall or on the street, I shout at him in Turkish "will be". When
Robin heard the words, he also shouts at me “oldum”, he turns 180 degrees back with a reflex, with his fist
hitting his chest. We've repeated this scene for years. Dozens of my friends have witnessed this. He enjoyed it
a lot.
When Bayram Şit came to France, my level of wrestling was zero, Robin said, he taught me to be a wrestler
and a champion and at that moment I was once more proud of my Bayram. However, Daniel Robin always

remembered the efforts of Bayram had entrusted to him and he was always loyal and talked to me in every
setting.
I had written a great part of the memories of Bayram Şit, Daniel Robin and me with a biography about Bayram’s
life. But this time I did not write it here again, on the contrary, I wrote with great sadness. I was so shaken when
I heard that Daniel passed away. They say painful news is quick to hear. First, Kemal Şit from Ankara, five
minutes before the tremendous and sad voice from Bayram. On the phone, it was impossible to describe the
sadness of Bayram Şit.
The passing of Daniel Robin is a great loss to the wrestling world. Daniel Robin was not an ordinary champion.
Therefore, a Turkish-friendly champion, as an ancient friend, with a few lines of my hearts would not be willing
to write. Daniel Robin had a heart full of love. The Turkish wrestling community and the wrestling fans are close
to him; they had the opportunity to get acquainted in the 1971 Mediterranean Games in İzmir. Robin always
said that he is more popular in Turkey than in France. He expressed love and respect towards the Turkish
people. Turkey was very proud of the recognition given him. When Taha Akgül was the champion in Tashkent
in 2014, while the Turkish national anthem was being played, it was worth seeing Daniel's singing of our anthem.
Daniel Robin, twice participated in the Mediterranean Games, 1967 and 1971, winning 3 gold medals. He won
gold at the 1967 Freestyle World Championships in New Delhi. and the 1968 European Championship in
Skopje. In the same year, at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games he made the final matches in both freestyle
and Greco Roman. These silver medals in two styles were a first in the history of world wrestling. By the same
token, the world medals Robin received, included the first gold medal for France. He became the pioneer of
French wrestling.
Daniel Robin started as a wrestling athlete, and served as a coach,

French National Team Coach, Canadian Olympic Coach, and TV
commentator. He was a versatile champ and sportsman. Even at the
2012 London Olympic Games, the organizing committee brought in
Robin to lead the wrestling organization of the games and he made it a
perfect success.
Daniel Robin passed away on May 23, 2018. Universally, wrestlers are
loyal people and never forget their friends! We shared Robin's memories
and the pain of loss with Turkish wrestling fans. DANIEL ROBIN, the
great wrestler, our old friend, the colorful and lovely man of world
wrestling, who was separated from us at the age of 74 years old. We
have no choice to say another word. Sleep comfortably in the grave. We
will never forget you. Provincial était un homme formidable qui a vécu
avec beaucoup de classe et il a quitté de nous laissant des souvenirs
inoubliables. He was a wonderful man, he lived a great life and eventually
passed away from this world, leaving all of us unforgettable memories.
Former Coach of Turkish National Wrestling Team
Sports Scientist and Lecturer
Member of The Educational Board of The Turkish Wrestling Federation
Member of Editorial Committee of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR) .

A TRIBUTE TO FRANK ANDERSSON (1956-2018)
Steven Fraser
sfraser@usawrestling.org
We Must Enjoy the Journey
In honor of Frank Andersson, three-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist from Sweden, who at
62 years old recently passed away, I would like to share a small glimpse of my experience knowing him. Frank
Andersson was a powerful, golden-haired athlete, who enjoyed the status of a movie star in Sweden and who
had claimed the World championship in 1979, 1981 and 1982. In 1984, with his great strength and technique,
his quickness, and his superb sense of balance, Andersson had devastated his first three opponents in the Los
Angeles Olympic Games. Each of Andersson's foes had served as a target for his most breathtaking and crowd-
pleasing throw, the high-arching “back suplex.” I had beaten my first two opponents and was slated to wrestle
Andersson next.
I liked and admired Frank Andersson. I had met him for the first time several years earlier, in the United States
National Wrestling Championships in Albany, N.Y. He was a big star even then, and his image as a playboy
was firmly established. I was a college sophomore and basically a nobody. I met Andersson through a friend of
mine, Mike Chastain of Troy, Michigan, a very good wrestler who had been blinded in a childhood accident.
Andersson beat Mike in the National Championships in Albany, and I think he felt sorry for him. In a gesture of
friendship and sportsmanship, the Swede invited Mike up to his hotel room that evening for a visit. When Mike
asked if I would like to accompany him, I didn't hesitate to say yes. So what if I was tagging along. I was eager
to meet Frank Andersson too.
The Swede came to the door, greeted us warmly in English, which he spoke very well, and put his arm around
Mike's shoulders, the way Europeans often do. Now that he had cleaned up and changed into his fashionable
clothes and leather slacks, he looked even more like a movie star. He was good looking, with pearly white teeth
and blond, curly locks that fell almost to his shoulders. His hair was layered in the back, like a movie star's. He
was really a Hollywood type. His hair would have been in style in Hollywood, I suppose, but it was a radical
departure from the clean-cut look favored by most world-class wrestlers. I could tell just by looking at him that
he enjoyed his life, and that he lived in a much faster world than I did.
When we sat down to talk and he lit up a cigarette, my eyes nearly popped out. I knew he couldn't have smoked
very much, because wrestlers who smoke don't have the endurance to get very far. But to see him smoking
even one cigarette was a shock for me. In between puffs on his cigarette, Andersson showed us rookies a thing
or two. In the middle of the room, all spiffed up in his leather pants, he grabbed Mike around the waist and
showed him a tricky little move that might help him during some wrestling match down the road. In Greco-
Roman wrestling, you're not allowed to use your legs, and when you're fairly inexperienced in Greco-Roman,
as Mike and I were, you're very careful to obey that rule to a T. But Andersson had been around a while, and
he was showing Mike and me a way to use our legs legally. Twisting in close to Mike, he used his own leg to
raise Mike's thigh and throw Mike off balance. But in the flurry of activity, it was impossible to detect whether
Andersson had really used his leg to lift Mike, or whether Mike, fighting for balance, had lifted up on his own
accord.
Mike Chastain and I were in awe. Here we were with one of the best wrestlers in the world, and he was sharing
the secrets of the trade he knew so well. We took advantage of his generosity and asked plenty of questions,
and Andersson was kind and patient enough to answer them. One answer in particular I have never forgotten.
“What does it take,” we asked, “to be a great wrestler?” Andersson leaned forward and looked at us, his eyes
gleaming. For a moment, he said nothing, allowing the suspense to build. This was going to be the ultimate
statement, I thought to myself. He's going to say something about running or lifting weights or strengthening
your back. Then Andersson answered. “It takes drinking beer, getting in trouble with the police, and having sex
with women.” My jaw must have dropped a mile. But I certainly didn't challenge him. Who was I to challenge
one of the best wrestlers in the world?
Obviously, I never took Andersson's statement literally. But there was an underlying message in his words that
has always been helpful to me. The Swede didn't really mean that you had to drink beer and get in trouble to
be good; he meant that you must enjoy life if you want to succeed. Perhaps my idea of fun and Andersson's
idea of fun were two different things. But he understood a truth that I did not fully appreciate at the time. He
knew that if the long, hard path to success is not enjoyable, the pot of gold at the end is not worth having.

Back to 1984; I was fortunate enough to upset Frank Andersson in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games, by
a score of 4 – 1, and I went on to win the gold the next evening. I will always be grateful to this great World
Champion from Sweden. I know he will be missed by - not only Swedes - but by many friends and fans around
the world. RIP, Frank Andersson, affectionately known as Franky Boy.
Steven Fraser
Former Head Coach USA Greco Roman
Olympic Champion

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International Journal of Wrestling Science

Volume 8, Number 2, 2018

INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF WRESTLING RESEARCHERS (INWR)

UIJW_I_7_1-2_COVER.indd 1 3/7/2018 9:44:54 AM

Mario Baić, PhD, Croatia Boris Podlivaev, PhD, Russia

https ://unitedworldwrestling.org http://inwr-wrestling.com

Volume 8, Number 2, 2018

1-8 Original Research

36-39 Vitamin D Level Among Elite Wrestlers in Uzbekistan

40-42 The Phenomenon of the World Nomad Games

43-48 Dorsiflexor Muscle Oxygenation During Isometric Contraction

51-52 A Tribute to Frank Andersson

University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary

Introduction: telos of the judo world championships

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 1

General theories of justice - with a focus on world judo

p. 2 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

Justice of competitor’s list

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 3

Justice of seeding and the draw

p. 4 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

Justice of the competition system

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 5

Justice of the final result

p. 6 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

Conclusions: justice exists

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 7

p. 8 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

1Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 9

p. 10 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 11

p. 12 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 13

1Don State Technical University, Russia

p. 14 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 15

p. 16 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 17

1United World Wrestling Technical Commission

WC 2017 ALL MATCHES - Technical Points (TP) &

p. 18 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

WC 2018 ALL MATCHES - TP & OP in %

WC 2017 Medal Matches TP - OP in %

100 100.00 100.00 100.00

EC 2018 Medal Matches TP - OP in %

45.45 41.18 50.00

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 19

WC 2017 All Matches TOTAL TP & OP in %

EC 2018 All Matches TOTAL TP& OP in %

WC 2018 ALL MATCHES TOTAL TP & OP in %

p. 20 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

EC 2018 Medal Matches TOTAL TP & OP in %

WC 2018 Medal Matches TOTAL TP & OP in %

COMMENT (Figures 1 – 12)

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 21

p. 22 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

ECH 2018 ALL MATCHES - TP - PASSIVITY - OP in %

WCH 2018 ALL MATCHES TP - PASSIVITY - OP in %

WC 2017 Medal Matches TP - PASSIVITY P. - OP in %

International Journal of Wrestling Science 2018; Vol 1 Issue 1 p. 23

COMMENT (Figures 13 – 18.)

p. 24 Official Journal of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR)

EC 2018 POINTS IN ALL MATCHES